Written question asked by Cheryl Gillan (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 January 2004. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Thursday, 15 January 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what assessment he has made of the effects of the increase in teaching assistants covering non-contact time with classes; what percentage of classroom teaching was covered by classroom assistants without teaching professionals being present in the class in 2002-03. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what assessment he has made of the effects of the increase in teaching assistants covering non-contact time with classes; [147544] (2) what percentage of classroom teaching was covered by classroom assistants without teaching professionals being present in the class in 2002/03. [147545] Mr. Miliband: It is up to head teachers to determine how they deploy teachers and teaching assistants in their schools taking account of current regulations and guidance. Information about how teaching assistants' time is spent is not held centrally. Standards of attainment are rising and the quality of teaching is the best ever. And teaching assistants are playing their part in raising standards. A recent project has demonstrated the positive impact of teaching assistants on standards. In 18 of the largest LEAs, additional provision and training for teaching assistants was provided last year for around 30 per cent. of their Year 6 classes. Results from the 2003 Key Stage 2 tests shows that performance in participating schools appears to have improved by 3 per cent. points more than the national average for English and 2 per cent. points for maths.

Secondary information