How is the Welsh Government working with local authorities to facilitate greater access to the teaching profession for disabled people?
The responsibility for the employment of teachers in schools lies with local authorities and governing bodies; Welsh Ministers do not have the authority to intervene. The employer, whether the local authority or governing body, must ensure that sufficient, suitable staff are employed or engaged to work at the school, to provide education appropriate for the ages, aptitudes, abilities and needs of the pupils.
The employer should also ensure vacancies are publicised in a way which will reach under-represented groups and be explicit that it welcomes applicants with particular characteristics such as those with a disability, from a Black Asian minority ethnic background, the LGBTQ+ community, or young people.
The employer must not discriminate against an applicant or existing staff member on the grounds of any of the protected characteristics, whether directly or indirectly. In relation to disability, there is also an obligation to make reasonable adjustments to remove the substantial disadvantage created by the disability.
ITE Partnerships must ensure that student teachers can meet legislative requirements to have the health or physical capacity to undertake a teacher’s responsibilities. ITE Partnerships have a responsibility to ensure that this requirement is met having due regard to their statutory obligations under the Equality Act. Further information on the requirements of ITE Partnerships and the entry requirements for teaching can be found in the Criteria for accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programmes in Wales.