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• The DfE has very little to say about support for teachers. The Union believes this is unfair and short- sighted, and risks losing teachers from the profession unnecessarily.
• There are no statutory limits on lesson observation. The model policy merely says the amount and type of classroom observation will depend on the individual circumstances of the teacher and the overall needs of the school. The statutory three-hour limit for observation in the 2006 regulations has been removed.
• Teachers’ performance will now be assessed against the relevant Teacher Standards, which have been criticised as being vague and subjective.
The Government’s model is unfair and flawed. Current procedures properly distinguish between appraisal and competence or capability issues, and require appraisers to put in place support, and to allow a reasonable period of time for sustained improvement. They also enable head teachers to deal with ill-health and disability issues, which the DfE model does not. The NUT believes schools that function well, where staff development and professionalism are prized, will not adopt Mr Gove’s model.
What’s happening in Wales?
The Welsh Assembly Government is reviewing performance management guidance. The big concern is that over-regulation will add to workload. NUT officials have been making representations to the WAG on the issue of increased bureaucracy, as well as on respecting teachers’ professionalism. The NUT has called for full consultation before implementing any changes to ensure that members’ views are integral to any future proposals.
How can NUT members challenge these changes?
The NUT is fundamentally opposed to these changes. They are unnecessary, and have nothing to do with raising standards. Though the model policy is optional, some schools may wish to adopt it. We are working with other teacher unions to develop alternatives which will enable schools to provide the best professional development while supporting pupil progress.
The Union’s campaign against the Government’s model is developing. School groups are meeting to discuss how to retain existing protection and how to promote a model of appraisal which is good for teachers and for pupils. We have already had successes, where local authorities have refused the Government’s model. Building momentum at national level will support individual schools to protect members.
What you can do now
1
Ask your school rep to call a meeting to get the support of all your teacher colleagues for a fair appraisal process. Leaflets and petitions aimed at governing bodies have been sent to all schools. Discuss classroom observations and how you will take steps to ensure your governing body adopts the NUT’s Classroom Observation Model Protocol (at
www.teachers.org.uk/observation) if it hasn’t already done so.
2
If your governing body is determined to press ahead with the Government’s model, ask your division/association secretary for help and ideas about how to guarantee fair appraisal in your school. The NUT will support you using the threat of industrial action when necessary, but the first step is to get the support of all teacher colleagues for a fair appraisal process which promotes teacher professionalism.
3
If your school has adopted the NUT’s model protocol, let us know how you negotiated it – email
ecr@nut.org.uk
What we have achieved so far
Thanks to NUT pressure, some of the Government’s worst proposals were dropped – for example, it proposed that from September schools would have to make performance management statements available to potential employers when teachers applied for new
jobs. The NUT pointed out that few teachers would speak freely if they knew a potential employer could subsequently view everything they said. This was taken on board. We also secured a provision that observation will be ‘by those with QTS’.
• Sarah Lyons is NUT Principal Officer, employment conditions and rights.
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