The very close engagement of inspectors with the quality of teaching in primary schools is practically as old as the national school system itself. Inspectors have had a role in the evaluation of teachers appointed in primary schools since the first inspectors were appointed in 1832.
Inspection models have evolved very significantly since 1832 as has the legal basis for the probation of newly qualified teachers. Access to the profession of teaching in recognised schools in Ireland is now regulated by the Teaching Council. At present, the Inspectorate of my Department evaluates the professional competence of primary teachers for the purposes of informing the Teaching Council's decisions regarding registration. Further development in this area is ongoing, with the Council currently working on the development of a Career Entry Professional Programme (CEPP) for newly qualified teachers wishing to be fully registered with the Council, in compliance with sections 7(2)(f) and (g) of the Teaching Council Act, 2001.