The Sun.
London, England, 1847-02-08 00:00:00

EDUCATION.

MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON EDUCATION, IN AUGUST AND DE-
CEMBER, 1846. PRESENTED
HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, BY COMMAND
OF HER MAJESTY, FEB. 5, 1847.
Council. chamber, Whitehall, Aug. 25, 1846.
BY THE RIGHT HON. THE LORDS OF THE COMMITTEE
OF COUNCIL ON EDUCATION. ip
GENERAL MINUTE.
Their Lordships had under :their consideration the
sufficiency of the present number of inspectors of schools
for the duties they have to perform, an
Resolved,—That it would be highly expedient that all
the schools which aro under the inspection of the Privy
Council should be visited at least once in each year.
That the existing number of inspectors appears to be
insufficient, as, notwithstanding,their constant assiduity
in the discharge of the duties intrusted to them, it is
found impossible to make arrangements for the inspec-
tion of schools oftener than once in two years.
Their Lordships are, however, unwilling to make so
considerable an addition at once to the number of in-
spectors as would be necessary for an annual visit to
each school, but will recommend the appointment of
three new inspectors this year, reserving for considera-
tion hereafter any further appointments which may be
required.
Their Lordships had further under their consideration
the report of the Inspectors of Schools, memorials from
certain boards of education, and letters from the clergy
and others, representing the very early age at which the
children acting as assistants to schoolmasters are with-
drawn from school to manual labour ; and the advantages
which would arise if such scholars as might he distin-
guished by proficiency and good conduct were appren-
ticed to skilful masters, to be instructed and trained, so
as to be prepared to complete their education as school-
masters in a normal school.

Resolved,—That the Lord President cause regulations
to be framed defining; the qualifications of the school-
master ; the condition of instruction in the school ; sad
the local contributions to be required as conditions on
which annual grants of money may be made towards the
stipends of apprentices in elementary schools ; and fur-
ther cause indentures of apprenticeship to be prepared,
declaring the duties of the apprentice and the nature of
the instruction he is to receive ; the periods of examina-
tion by the inspectors of schools, and the circumstances
under which the indenture may be dissolved, in order
that stipends increasing in each year of the apprentice-
ship may be grainted in aid of local contribution.
It was further resolved,—That as the masters having
charge of the instruction and training of school appren-
tices will be selected for their character and skill, and as
the education of the apprentices will increase the labour
and responsibilities of such masters, it is expedient that
the successful performance of these duties be rewarded
by annual grants in aid of their stipends, according to
the number of apprentices trained by each master.
It was further resolved—That it is expedient to make
provision in certain cases by a retiring pension for
schoolmasters and mistresses, who after a certain length
of service may appear entitled to such provision.
That the Lord President cause regulations to be framed
respecting the grants of such retiring pensions.
That it is expedient for the further encouragement of
deserving schoolmasters that small gratuities be annually
distributed, under the authority of the Lord President,
to schoolmasters whose seal and success in teaching
may, on the report of the inspector, appear to entitle
them to such encouragement; and that regulations be
framed with reference to the distribution of such gra-
tuities.

Council chamber, Whitehall, Dec. 21, 1846.
BY THE RIGHT LION. THE LORDS OF THE COMMITTEE OF
COUNCIL ON EDUCATION.

REGULATIONS RESPECTING THE EDUCATION OF PUPIL
TEACHERS AND STIPENDIARY MONITORS.

The Lord President cumusunicated to their Lordships
the regulations which he had caused to be framed to
carry into `execution the minute of the Committee of
Council of Education on the 25th day of August, 1846,
respecting the apprenticeship of pupil teachers.