Foster and The Institute for Learning

Press Release - IfL Briefing

21st November 2005

Foster and The Institute for Learning

In Realising the Potential, a review of the future role of Further Education colleges, Sir Andrew Foster highlights the importance of improving the quality and professional standing of the workforce and its leadership. Sir Andrew recommends a workforce development strategy which leads to ‘improved and consistent continued professional development’.

In his review Sir Andrew makes reference to the work of the Institute for Learning. Within the reforms outlined in Equipping our Teachers the Institute actively supported by its members, welcomed the opportunity to lead the registration process and the award of Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) from September 2007. The Institute will also champion recognition routes for existing practitioners, ensuring QTLS becomes the benchmark for all teachers in post-compulsory education and training.

In emphasising the need for a consistent approach to continuing professional development (CPD) Sir Andrew echoes the messages in Every Step Counts, the Institute for Learning’s recently published consultation document on CPD for the post-compulsory sector. An annual commitment to professional development is central to the maintenance of the Licence to Practise which comes with the award of QTLS.

In welcoming the review, Lee Davies, the Institute for Learning’s Development Manager, said “Sir Andrew Foster’s review comes at an exciting time for the post-compulsory sector, and rightly highlights the pressing need to invest in an infrastructure which supports and develops the committed and professional staff who make such a dramatic impact on the lives of adult learners. The Institute for Learning has risen to the challenge of the reforms outlined in Equipping our Teachers and looks forward to working in partnership with Lifelong Learning UK (the sector skills council) and the Department for Education and Skills, ensuring clarity of thinking and a collaborative approach to meeting the challenge of delivering a clear and targeted workforce development strategy.”