Information Session for new NQT Induction Managers & TutorsSeptember 2014

Robert MalliffWorkforce Strategy Manager

Purpose of the session

1. To place statutory induction in context and explain the process

2. To help schools understand their roles and responsibilities and how to use NQT Induction effectively

3. For the Appropriate Body (AB) to provide support and resources

Structure of the briefing

This session will be in two parts, following a brief introduction:

1. The statutory Induction process explained

2. Exploring the Induction Tutor role

Introduction: Why induct NQTs?1. Retention – research shows that good induction

considerably reduces staff wastage.

2. To bridge ITT and a career in teaching and develop and extend the teacher’s skills and knowledge. To avoid teachers being ‘dumped’.

3. To provide the basis for CPD and Performance Management. If the NQT process is not right, this might imply wider problems with the Performance Management procedures at the school.

Induction is extended Performance Management

Part 1: Statutory Induction explained

Who needs to be inducted?• The Regulations state that all teachers in England & Wales

that have been awarded QTS need to complete statutory induction in maintained schools and non-maintained special schools.

• A teacher has just one chance to complete induction. If they fail, they cannot lawfully be employed in a maintained school or non-maintained special school.

• NQT induction is not mandatory for academies, free schools and other independent schools. However, these schools are obliged to follow statutory guidance if they choose to induct.

The Regulations: Background to Induction

A teacher cannot begin the induction period until they have had their QTS confirmed by the NCTL (DfE).

Before registering an NQT please check with DfE Secure Access at https://sa.education.gov.uk/idp/Authn/UserPassword

Teachers with QTS from Scotland, Northern Ireland, EEA countries and Australia, NZ, Canada and USA can all apply for QTS using the proscribed equivalency form on the Government’s website here: https://www.gov.uk/qualified-teacher-status-qts

The Regulations: Background to Induction

The AB must quality assure statutory induction. Therefore, the induction period cannot beginuntil the NQT is registered with an AB.

For Registration and Assessment Forms: http://www.southend.gov.uk/downloads/download/12/nqt_induction_tutors_assessment_forms

The Regulations: Changes in 2012 Guidance

All NQTs, must be assessed against the Teachers Standards In exceptional circumstances, the induction period can be

shortened to one term – the AB makes the final decision on this, in consultation the school.

A qualified teacher who has not completed induction can undertake short term supply work of less than one month for up to 5 years.

When a teacher is on a contract of a term or longer the school is obliged to induct in settings where induction is mandatory – there is no longer a choice for the NQT

Induction can now be undertaken in PRUs.

NQT RegistrationAs Induction cannot start until the AB receives the Registration Form, forms received after 3 weeks of term beginning may delay induction to day of receipt.

To register NQTs, Registration Forms must be emailed toNQTreg@southend.gov.ukYou will receive an immediate automated response confirming receipt of your form(s).

The induction start date will be the first day of term OR thedate of the email receipt if received after 3 weeks of term commencing. This date should be on each assessment form.

NQT RegistrationThe deadlines in 2014-15 are:

Once registered, the induction period can begin. Without confirmation of registration, you must assume that the AB has not received the email and it is the school’s responsibility to follow up.

The AB has the right to nullify all induction that has taken place where Registration has not been confirmed.

Autumn: Friday 26th September 2014Spring: Friday 30th January 2015Summer: Friday 1st May 2015

The NQT Induction Period: Some basics

• The induction period is over 3 school terms (or equivalent) • The 3 terms do not need to be consecutive, nor do they

need to be served in the same school• The minimum time measured against induction is one

term. This does not need to be FTE.• During the induction period a teacher is allowed no more

than 30 days absence – over 30 days automatically triggers a pre-completion extension.

• For NQTs working part-time, the induction period is on a pro-rata basis. So, NQTs working at 0.5 will be on induction for 2 years.

The NQT Induction Period: Some basics – p/t

The Induction period is worked out according to 378 schoolsessions, which for full time staff is three terms. For part time staff it is 189 days (pro rata). In other words, an NQT that works 4 days a week would need to serve an induction period of 189 calendar days, plus the extra 20% that they miss during the time they do not work.

Therefore the formula for 0.8 would be:(189/4) x 5 = 236.25 days OR 189 ÷ 0.8

The earliest time that an NQT could pass induction if they start inSeptember 2013 would be 37.8 days into the Autumn Term

2014.

0.9 would be: (189/4.5) x 5 = 210 days, and so on.

The NQT Induction Period: Some basics• If an NQT goes on Maternity, Adoption or extended

Paternity Leave during her induction period, she chooses whether or not to extend her induction by the period of statutory leave or include the leave in her assessment period.

• The school makes a recommendation to the AB and the AB makes the final decision to pass or fail. If appealed, the NCTL make the ultimate decision.

• If progress against the Teachers Standards is deemed unsatisfactory the induction period can be extended by the AB for up to one year. This would always be done in consultation with the school.

The NQT Induction Period: Early finishers

• Guidance allows for some flexibility in end dates for induction.

• So, if an NQT started 2 or 3 weeks into the autumn term and they are going to leave the school at the end of the summer, it is permissible to conclude the induction period early (including all other absence) by up to 30 days, providing the NQT has met the Teachers Standards.

NQT Entitlement

• Observations of their teaching• 6 review meetings in which targets are set• 3 Assessment Form meetings – timetabled • Weekly meetings with their Mentor • 10% release time in addition to PPA time• The chance to observe other teachers• Written individualised plan of support with initial

targets set

Assessment: Key points• NQTs must be assessed against the 2012 Teachers Standards• Assessment forms are modified occasionally to reflect

adjustments to Regulations. Please use forms on www.southend.gov.uk/jobsinschools rather than old forms.

• The assessment meeting should take place within the two weeks at the end of each assessment period, not before.

• Headteachers have a statutory requirement to sign and return assessment forms within 10 working days of the assessment meeting having taken place.

• Comments from the NQT are best practice, but these comments should not delay return to the AB.

Assessment: Key points

“Assessment against the wrong standards would be automatic grounds for appeal [should a NQT be recommended for failure]”

GTC, 19th May 2008

Assessment: Key points summary

Reasons why the Appeal Body has overturned decisions:

1. Schools give the benefit of the doubt early on2. Conflicting advice3. Lack of clarity in roles4. Inconsistent feedback / evidence5. Difficult classes with lack of behavioural policy / support in

place6. When schools encroach on 10% reduced timetable7. When a NQT is teaching non-specialism8. Insufficient access to training and advice9. Assessment against the wrong Standards

Assessment: Key points

Key message when progress is unsatisfactory:

‘Early Intervention’

Unsatisfactory progress

• Failing to meet the standards in term one is not failure – it may simply mean that the NQT is not meeting the standards yet.

• Informal arrangements for NQTs leaving the school can be best, sometimes.

Part 2: Fulfilling the IT role

The role of the Induction Tutor• provide, or coordinate, guidance and effective support including coaching and

mentoring for the NQT’s professional development• carry out regular progress reviews throughout the induction period • undertake three formal assessment meetings during the total induction period

coordinating input from other colleagues as appropriate (normally one per term, or pro rata for part-time staff)

• inform the NQT during the assessment meeting of the judgements to be recorded in the formal assessment record and invite the NQT to add their comments

• ensure that the NQT’s teaching is observed and feedback provided• ensure NQTs are aware of how, both within and outside the institution, they

can raise any concerns about their induction programme or their personal progress; and

• take prompt, appropriate action if an NQT appears to be having difficulties.

Statutory Guidance Dec. 2013, p31

Preparing for the IT role• Pre-Induction checks

1. Does the teacher have QTS? 2. Has the NQT been registered?

• Handbooks – have these been received?• Reference from ITT. What targets were set coming

into Induction?• Know the Teachers Standards – this will help you to

identify strengths and weaknesses from the start.• Resources i.e.

http://www.southend.gov.uk/downloads/download/14/nqt_induction_tutors_more_resources

Initial Meeting

• Transition Point 2• Structure of meetings• Timetable dates of regular meetings• 1st observation• Targets until half term (Review 1)

Preparing for Assessment Meetings

• Were targets met in the previous half term/term?

• What targets are required for the new period? • Which Standards have been achieved and can

be signed off?• What areas require attention? Are there areas

for concern?• Do you have the correct Assessment Form?

Termly Assessments

Assessment Forms should:1. Reflect the judgement and show assessment

against the Teachers Standards.2. Make reference to the Teachers Standards.3. Show links to the targets set for that term

and make reference to the targets for the term ahead.

4. Provide some examples of evidence. 5. Aim for brevity and stand alone.

Additional features of the IT role

• Facilitate professional development• Help your NQT organise observations of

others• Direct your NQT to training and other

professional development opportunities• Mentor and critical friend• First point of reference for NQT issues• Dealing with unsatisfactory progress

Unsatisfactory Progress: Evidence gathering

Unsatisfactory progress is rare, but this is partly why problemscan escalate further than they might otherwise need to.

A safeguard against this is to ensure routine evidence gathering starts from the beginning of the induction period.

Additional evidence must be gathered as soon as it becomes apparent that the NQT is making unsatisfactory progress.

Unsatisfactory Progress: Evidence gathering

Key messages

• Do not assume satisfactory progress

• Have a contingency framework in place

• Ensure everyone knows what they are doing and why they are doing it.

Unsatisfactory Progress: Evidence gathering

• The Induction Tutor should inform the Headteacher of their concerns a.s.a.p.

• The NQT should be informed that they are not making satisfactory progress immediately.

NB. A record of this conversation should be filed, outlining precise areas that require improvement

• The AB should be informed.

Do not wait for a formal assessment meeting before doing any of the above.

Unsatisfactory Progress: Evidence gathering

Revise the NQT’s written Action Plan and file. The revised plan should:

• Make clear where the NQT is not making satisfactory progress

• Provide targets for the NQT to meet• Show how the school will support the NQT to meet

those targets.

Unsatisfactory Progress: Evidence gathering

RECORD EVERYTHINGAt appeal, the following are a minimum requirement:

Observation records Professional review meeting Action plans Copies of minutes/notes/letters to NQT Evidence for judgements NQT’s timetable Log of 10% release time Details of the NQT’s induction programme ITT reports/reference

Additional Support

The 2012 Guidance removes the requirement on the AB to provide additional support. Whilst the AB should be informed, it is for the headteacher/principal to ensure additional monitoring and support is put in place.(Dec 2012 Guidance, p19)

Nonetheless, the LA can provide additional support if required, especially where NQTs are borderline. This forms part of the NQT Service that you school purchase from SBC.

Kim RadfordM. 07930649118E. krad226@aol.com

Extensions

There are two types of extension:

1. Pre-completionWhen the induction period is extended before the school’s final recommendation to make up for loss due to illness or other absence.

2. Post-completionWhen the induction period is extended after failure, either by the AB or NCTL.

Successful completion

The vast majority of NQTs pass induction with very few problems. Therefore, the focus should be on how Induction helps NQTs to:

1. Become better teachers2. Learn to manage their own performance3. Better understand CPD4. Avoid the pitfalls that lead to high attrition

rates

Appeal Process

Full details of the appeal process can be found inSection 4 of the Dec 2013 Statutory Guidance. In summary:

• The NQT has the right to appeal against the AB’s decision to fail and against extension and must do so within 20 working days of the AB’s decision.

• Costs of the appeal must be met by the parties involved i.e. school, AB and NQT

Evidence gathered by the NQT

1. Induction is progression from the QTS year not a repeat of it

2. Evidence is designed to be ‘light touch’

3. Evidence will be based on self-review and reflection on practice

4. Most evidence will therefore be non-written. Evidence can be provided in conversations during weekly and assessment meetings

Summary 1. Check qualifications and register with the AB2. Ensure NQT entitlement is protected3. Don’t assume satisfactory progress but record and

file routine evidence4. Timetable meetings and take minutes5. Share evidence with the NQT and communicate

effectively6. Ensure roles are clear and fulfilled7. There should be no surprises8. Early intervention is critical when progress is

unsatisfactory.

Any questions?

Contact details

Robert Malliff, NQT Induction Co-ordinatorWorkforce Strategy TeamT. 01702 534941E. robertmalliff@southend.gov.ukW. www.southend.gov.uk/jobsinschools