A popular teacher training programme run by the council has had its long-term future secured.
The programme – which has a long track record of producing excellent teachers for local schools – will form a partnership with another provider following approval by Cabinet members.
Kirklees and Calderdale School Centred Initial Teacher Training (KCSCITT) is renowned for giving its trainees high-quality support and an opportunity to inspire children and young people.
People benefit from working in a school right from the start, training with experienced teachers instead of being based in a Higher Education setting like university.
KCSCITT has been training teachers across West Yorkshire for 20 years and was rated as ‘good’ in its most recent inspection by Ofsted.
Work will now move forward for KCSCITT to join forces with an accredited partner later this year, improving the offer by pooling resources, expanding knowledge and increasing opportunities.
Cllr Elizabeth Reynolds, Cabinet member for Learning and Aspiration, said:
“Working with another provider will bring many benefits for trainee teachers and, in turn, help to improve outcomes for children and young people.
“We can combine the strengths of both organisations and create a training programme even more suited to the needs of Kirklees learners.
“It will allow more focus on tailoring our training to support particular groups of pupils, such as those who are disadvantaged or have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
“By producing high-quality teachers who go on to work in local schools, we are supporting our children to fulfil their potential.
“The local scheme already has strong relationships with our family of schools and, at a difficult time for recruiting and retaining teachers, its success is bucking the national trend.
“Creating a formal partnership with another provider is a tremendous chance to support the Kirklees education system. It will help our pupils to enjoy the best start in life.”
Ensuring learners are safe, happy, healthy and achieving is a key part of Our Kirklees Futures – the long term vision for learning across the district.
Our Kirklees Futures brings together the full range of education providers, plus wider partners, with the shared aim that learners of all ages will reach their full potential and be equipped with vital skills for life.
To find out more, please visit the Our Kirklees Futures web page.