TEACHERS: In the short term, teachers can expect to be registered in a central databank detailing their qualifications and experience. They will also be asked to contribute to a consultative process on the drafting of codes of practice for the profession.

Down the line, teachers will enjoy a more accountable and accessible "continuing professional development" structure and new teachers will undergo formal induction and probation programmes.

STUDENTS: In the short term, the Teaching Council will have little impact on the classroom activity of students. It is hoped, however, that increasing levels of professionalism in teaching will lead to more open and dynamic approaches to teaching. The registration of all teachers and the accreditation of training programmes should help to remove or upskill unqualified teachers in the system.

Ultimately, students will also have the opportunity to make complaints to the council where a teacher's fitness to practise is in question.

PARENTS: There are two parents' group representatives on the Teaching Council, Eleanor Petrie (post-primary) and Anita McCann (primary). Parents, along with the wider public, will be asked to contribute to the drafting of codes of practice for the profession. Parents will also have access to the council's complaints procedure in fitness to practice cases.

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: The new "Teachers' Register" will give department officials system-wide information on teacher supply.