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Model appraisal

The NUT, ATL and NAHT have issued a joint model appraisal policy. Sarah Lyons outlines the key points.

The Government made unwelcome changes to teacher appraisal arrangements in January 2012, which the NUT believes to be punitive. As a result the ATL, NAHT and NUT have put together a joint union model appraisal policy as an alternative – one that is more developmental and supportive.

Local authorities and schools that adopt this model commit themselves to developing an open, supportive culture in which discussion and review of approaches to learning become the norm. The procedure is about motivation, improving morale and strengthening commitment to improving outcomes for children – a far cry from the approach Ofsted chief Michael Wilshaw and Secretary of State Michael Gove would choose.

Content

 Included in the model policy are:

• teachers’ concerns about choice of appraiser to be considered and where possible an alternative to be offered

• no more than three objectives other than in exceptional circumstances

• an individual’s circumstances, including disability, to be taken into account when agreeing objectives

• where teachers have not met their objective because agreed support was not provided, this to be taken into account

• teachers having difficulties to get support initially via the appraisal process rather than through the capability process

• feedback from lesson observation to be developmental, not simply a judgement using Ofsted grades.

Lesson observation

Although we were unable to agree an overall limit on lesson observations, the policy does refer to having in place a lesson observation protocol that will specify their number and duration. It also says the findings of each observation will be used for other purposes, which will help to minimise the total number of observations.

The Union’s position is that the accompanying protocol should be the NUT Classroom Observation Protocol. It specifies an absolute maximum of three observations. The NUT has been encouraging schools to adopt this since the Government said it would remove the three-hour limit last September. Find it at www.teachers.org.uk/observation

The new joint model policy is available from www.teachers.org.uk/appraisals-capability

• Sarah Lyons is NUT Principal Officer, employment conditions and rights.

Remember!

The Government model is optional and there is no obligation on schools to change current arrangements. If no changes are proposed by your governing body, and you are happy with arrangements in your school, there is no need to suggest moving to the joint model.

If change is proposed, ask your school rep to call a meeting to discuss the proposals from your governing body, and to get the support of colleagues for a fair appraisal procedure.

You should also alert your local association/ division which will work with you to achieve a fair procedure, whether by maintaining the existing one or by using the joint union model.

Have you adopted the NUT model protocol? Let us know – email ecr@nut.org.uk