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Consultation on the Framework on Teacher Competence

What are we consulting on?

This consultation proposes some changes to the Code of Practice on Teacher Competence (CPTC), which has been in force since September 2002. We also propose renaming the CPTC to the Framework on Teacher Competence (FTC).

You can view the proposed draft framework below:

• Draft Framework on Teacher Competence

The changes proposed are in the main concerned with format and the amendments made necessary by the Public Services Reform (GTC for Scotland) Order 2011 ("the Order") as well as current law; in particular this refers to Stage 4 and article 25 of the Order.

Who should read this?

This consultation will mainly be of interest to teachers and employers of teachers. It will however also be of interest to parents or carers of pupils and other members of the public.

We welcome views from everyone with an interest in the consultation and wish to encourage as much debate as possible.

Start date: 17 January 2012
End date: 14 February 2012

After the consultation, we will collate and publish our responses in March 2012.

Background information

One of the main reasons for revising the CPTC is the change in the legislation which will govern us from 2012.

This consultation should be read in conjunction with the Standard for Full Registration (SFR) which currently sets the standard of competence expected of registered teachers.

The CPTC was published in 2002 and since then it has been an integral part of Teachers' Conditions of Service within the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) framework. Going forward, this would continue to be the position.

What changes are proposed?

It is proposed to rename the CPTC as the "Framework on Teacher Competence" (FTC). The FTC is different in purpose and procedural nature from other GTC Scotland Codes and Standards as it is about the process and expectations for schools and employers rather than for the individual teacher.

The new FTC provides a more detailed background and context and sets out its purpose and scope more clearly than its predecessor. It also clarifies that the FTC applies only to fully registered teachers, as there are different and separate provisions to manage under-performance of provisionally registered teachers.

The FTC also complies with the provisions and terminology of the Order, in particular the changes required as a result of the new Fitness to Teach framework.

It is proposed no longer to include a full copy of the SFR with the FTC.  This is proposed on the proviso that clear web link references to the current SFR are included within the FTC itself.

The reasons for this change are to:

• make the FTC itself a more concise and focused document
• ensure that the FTC is 'future-proofed' and include reference to the most up-to-date version of the SFR

The Proposals in detail

Stage 1

1. Stage 1 should be renamed "Preliminary" (previously "Informal" in CPTC). This is for sake of clarity and also to better reflect the nature of the Stage 1 process.
2. A new part (a) has been introduced for the purpose of clarity and fairness.

Stage 2

A new part (a) has been introduced for the purpose of clarity and fairness.

Stage 3

No changes.

Stage 4

This section has been amended to reflect the wording of the Order and of the GTC Scotland Fitness to Teach and Appeals Rules 2012. We consulted on the Draft Fitness to Teach and Appeals Rules 2012 in October 2011.

When would the revised Code come into effect and what are the transitional arrangements?

The FTC would come into effect on 2 April 2012. However parts 1 - 3 of the current CPTC would continue to apply to all cases started at employer level before that date. Referral to GTC Scotland (Part 4 of the FTC) will apply to all cases on and after 2 April 2012, just as the provisions of the Fitness to Teach and Appeals Rules 2012 and the 2011 Order will apply to all cases within GTC Scotland proceedings commencing on or after 2 April 2012.