Teenagers to replace primary school teachers in 'absurd' Government plans

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But teenagers as young as 16 could soon be working in primary schools in a desperate bid by the Government to fill empty teaching places.

Under the Government's proposed new plans 16-year-olds will be able to train as teaching assistants in primary school classrooms.

John Bangs, head of education at the NUT, said that the move was 'highly worrying and concerning'.

Teenage classroom assistants could soon be taking lessons in primary schools

The Tories slammed the idea as 'absurd', saying that most teenagers are simply not mature enough to work in schools.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph Nick Gibb MP, the Tory shadow schools minister, : 'I think this idea is totally absurd.

'Schools need to be run professionally and as a basic requirement there should not be anyone under the age of 18 working in them – after they have achieved the necessary qualifications.

'I hope the Government will realise this is a non-starter and drop the plans.'

Under the Government's plans the scheme will provide every primary school in England with a trainee classroom assistant.

These trainees would then be able to cover for teachers during simple lessons such as group reading, freeing teachers up to mark and prepare lessons.

Phil Parkin, general secretary of the 35,000-strong teaching union Voice, told the Daily Telegraph:

'At 16-years-old the vast majority of young people are simply not mature enough to work in a classroom.

'In many ways their behaviour is not a lot different from the children they will be teaching.

'And schools should not be a dumping ground for youngsters that can't get a job elsewhere either, we need high standards of literacy and numeracy to drive up quality.

'There's also a question mark over whether schools will have the financial capacity to support the help with development these teenagers will need.'

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said: 'Teaching assistants play an increasingly vital role in schools.

'Our qualification reforms will ensure a range of routes to the world of work are available meaning there will be something for everyone.'