P35: Workload

continued from p35

It is not necessary to use the full three hours, and in many cases an annual observation of no more than an hour should suffice. The NUT believes three observations per academic year is enough, and this includes drop-ins or learning walks.

It is good practice for head teachers to carry out observations so as to achieve more than one objective. For example, a head can use a single observation for both performance management and to comply with the statutory responsibility to evaluate teaching and learning.

Where do drop-ins and learning walks fit into the picture?

Head teachers may choose to do drop-in observations as part of their statutory responsibility for leading, managing and developing their workforce. The NUT argues that there should be a purpose to each drop-in and that dropping in too often is counter-productive, a waste of time and serves only to stress staff. Unannounced drop-ins should never take place.

Learning walks are supposed to be about collecting evidence about teaching and learning. They are meant to be a whole- school improvement activity, and nothing to do with the performance of an individual. Classrooms are visited to see what they show about the school as a whole.

NUT policy is that learning walks and drop-ins should count towards the annual maximum of three hours.

What can you do if classroom observations have got out of control?

If you are worried about the number of observations in your school, or the manner in which they are undertaken, tackling the issue collectively is the best approach.

• Discuss the problem with other members, your NUT rep and members of other unions.

• Put your proposals to your head teacher, using the NUT’s model protocol (www.teachers.org.uk/node/4488). Involve your NUT division or association secretary if necessary.

Remember the Union will back any efforts to reduce your stress. Send any success stories to The Teacher and we will feature a selection in a future issue (email teacher@nut.org.uk).

• Sarah Lyons is NUT Officer for Employment Conditions and Rights