Initial Teacher Education COVID-19 mitigation guidance March 2022

Dear Head of Initial Teacher Education,

You will be aware of the current guidance available to you that was put into place on a temporary basis in order to support you to minimise the impacts of the pandemic on your ITE Partnerships and Student Teachers, including applicants.

Further to our collaborative and constructive discussions we have determined that this guidance will remain in place for the current academic year (academic year 2021/22) in relation to those student teachers currently studying with you. With regards to your recruitment cycle for academic year 2022/23 the guidance with regards to your recruitment and entry requirements will also remain extant.

From September 2022 we expect to revert back to the requirements as set out under the Criteria for Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education in Wales. This will affect student teachers entering ITE September 2022 and applicants going through your recruitment cycle for entry September 2023. We remain cognisant that the pandemic is ongoing and will continue to work with you closely to ensure you are able to deliver high quality ITE to our student teachers across Wales. This could mean a continuation of the current temporary arrangements (or further revisions) in response to the continuing health situation in Wales.

May I take this opportunity to once again thank you, your dedicated staff and students for your commitment and dedication over the last two years.

Yours sincerely,

Max White
Head of Initial Teacher Education
Welsh Government