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Dept for Education and Employment

Answer

Mr. Maclennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will assess the final report of the Nuffield Languages Inquiry, `Languages: The Next Generation'; and if he will make a statement. [141492] Jacqui Smith: [holding answer 13 December 2000]: We have analysed and assessed the recommendations of the Nuffield Report and will be producing a clear statement of response in the new year. This statement will take account of Nuffield's proposals, as well as highlight the positive languages policies already in place. We are already doing a great deal to promote learning in this field, for example by expanding our numbers of specialist language colleges and offering attractive incentives to teacher trainees. The statement will reinforce our commitment to broadening opportunities and will point to where there will be scope for development. Our Languages National Training Organisation has already indicated its readiness to participate in vocational language learning initiatives. Additionally we are working with our key partners to promote the programme of events for next year's European Year of Languages. We have recently broached these matters in discussions with our Nuffield colleagues and in formulating our statement we will be working closely in consultation with them.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

359 c238-9W;359 c236-7W; 141492

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Curriculum Languages Teachers Training Vocational education Specialist schools National training organisations

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk