Delays to plans for fitness to teach hearings for school teachers

Long-promised fitness-to-teach hearings for school teachers could be delayed yet again as the 14-year-old plan hits a legislative logjam.

Officials are scrambling to find a way to bring in the procedures without waiting for legal changes which are running out of time as the Government term nears its end.

Fitness to practice proceedings for teachers were provided for in the Teaching Council Act of 2001 but not commenced, mainly because of wrangling with unions.