Popular questions

Do I need to do induction?

Yes, it is a statutory requirement. All teachers who qualified after 7 May 1999 must successfully complete induction to teach in maintained schools and non-maintained special schools in England.

See paragraph 1.19 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Is there a deadline by which newly qualified teachers (NQTs) must start and finish induction?

No. NQTs are encouraged to start their induction as soon as possible after gaining QTS, but there is no set time limit for starting or completing induction. If significant time has elapsed between gaining QTS and starting induction, or there is a significant gap between teaching posts during the induction period, NQTs can consider undertaking refresher training.

See paragraph 2.55 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Can a newly qualified teacher begin induction if they haven't passed the skills tests?

No. QTS is only awarded when trainee teachers have successfully completed all aspects of initial teacher training, including passing any necessary skills tests. Any induction undertaken prior to gaining full QTS does not count. See paragraph 2.20 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Can a newly qualified teacher do supply work before starting induction?

Yes, a qualified teacher, who has not completed an induction period, can undertake some short-term supply work in a relevant school (maintained school, maintained nursery, PRU and non-maintained special school) but this is limited to 16 months only. The 16 month limit starts on the day that the teacher begins their first short-term supply contract and is measured as a fixed calendar period. This means the 'clock starts ticking' as soon as short-term supply work commences and does not stop during periods when the teacher is not undertaking short –term supply.

See paragraphs 3.17-3.18 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

What happens after the 16-month time limit?

When the 16-month limit is reached, a teacher cannot undertake any further supply work (of any duration) in a maintained school, non-maintained special school, maintained nursery school, or pupil referral unit unless:

• an extension has been granted by the appropriate body (this is the local authority (LA) in which the school is based)
• A post in which the NQT is employed for a term or more and is able to undertake induction on full or part time bases

Applications for an extension should be directed to the LA induction coordinator and are granted for a maximum calendar period of 12 months on a case by case basis. LAs can only grant extensions to work in schools under their authority.

See paragraph 3.18 – 3.21 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

If a teacher has trained overseas and has worked as a teacher for several years, are they exempt from induction?

Overseas trained teachers (OTT) who have trained outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) will need to present themselves for assessment against the QTS standards. If an OTT is assessed against the QTS standards, they can simultaneously be assessed (at their request) against the core standards (provided they have at least two years full time teaching experience).

If they meet the core standards they will be exempt from having to do an induction support programme. Induction is statutory for OTTs who trained overseas but subsequently attained QTS via ITT routes in England. For further information, please contact the overseas trained teacher advice line on: 0800 389 2500 or e-mail ott@cfbt-hq.org.uk

Teachers who qualified in countries within the EEA and have successfully applied to the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) for QTS are except from completing induction in England.

See annex B (exemptions) of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Can an NQT complete their induction abroad?

Induction can not be served in schools abroad, including British schools abroad. However, an NQT will be exempt from doing an induction period in England if they complete induction or the equivalent in one of the following countries:

• Scotland
• Northern Ireland
• Isle of Man
• Guernsey
• Jersey
• Gibraltar
• Service Children’s education (SCE) school in Germany or Cyprus

See Annex B for Exemptions and paragraph 2.11 for ‘where induction may not be served’ of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Can an NQT do induction at an independent school?

Independent schools (including academies and city technology colleges) who wish to offer an NQT who has been awarded QTS the chance to complete statutory induction must provide a suitable post and programme that will help the NQT to continue to meet the standards for QTS and meet all the core standards. For the additional criteria see paragraphs 2.6 – 2.7 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Can an NQT do induction at a further education college (including sixth form)?

Yes. Further education (FE) institutions who wish to offer a NQT a post in which to complete a statutory induction period, must ensure the NQT has qualified teacher status (see guidance paragraph 1.18 (PDF, 317KB)) and the principal must also ensure the NQT's duties comply with the requirements in paragraph 2.24 of the guidance (PDF, 317KB) on what constitutes a suitable post. The principal will also, on behalf of the FE governing body, need to identify and reach agreement with a local authority that they will carry out the role of the appropriate body set out in the guidance paragraph 2.30 (PDF, 317KB).

Can induction be completed in a special school?

Yes, as long as the head teacher is confident that the school can offer the breadth of experience required to meet the core standards. In some cases this may involve gaining additional, focused experience in a mainstream school.

See paragraph 2.2 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Do part-time posts count towards induction?

Yes. If an NQT takes up a part-time position they can still undertake induction. Any part-time post will need to last for a term or more for it to count towards the induction period. For example a part-time NQT who has a contract of employment in a school (that operates a three term year) for one term, is no different to a full-time NQT with a contract of employment for one term in the same school. A part time NQT is engaged in a minimum period of continuous employment, so their employment within that period will count towards their induction. The length of the induction period will take longer to do but an NQT can calculate the amount of time it will take to complete the induction period. Please see the Induction Calculator (Excel, 30KB) for more details on how to calculate a part time induction period.

See Paragraphs 2.50 to 2.53 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

How is the length of the induction period calculated for part-time positions?

Divide the total number of days' induction the newly qualified teacher (NQT) must serve by the full-time equivalent (FTE) percentage that the individual is contracted to work.

For example, an NQT, contracted to work a FTE of 0.6 in a maintained school with a 195 day academic year would need to be employed for a period of 325 days (195 ÷ 0.6 = 315) to complete the induction period.

If an NQT is working in more than one school in the same term, and both posts form part of the induction period, one head teacher and appropriate body must be able, and prepared, to take overall responsibility for the induction programme.

See paragraphs 2.50 – 2.54 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

What is a suitable post to serve induction?

The head teacher/principal and appropriate body must ensure that the duties of the NQT, his or her supervision, personal development and the conditions under which the NQT works are such as to enable there to be a fair and effective assessment of the NQT's conduct and efficiency against the core standards. An important issue at the start and throughout the period is to ensure the suitability of the NQT's post. For further criteria see paragraph 2.24 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Can an NQT undertake induction as a one-to-one tutor?

It is unlikely that a one-to-one tuition post on its own will meet the suitability requirements described in paragraph 2.24 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB). The appropriate body and head teacher/principal must decide whether an NQT's post is suitable for induction (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Will terms of induction undertaken in Wales count towards induction in England?

Yes. Any period of induction served in Wales that meet the criteria as set out by the Welsh regulations can count towards induction in England and vice versa. This is not the case for induction/probation in Northern Ireland, Eire or Scotland. See paragraphs 2.41 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Can an NQT work as a peripatetic music teacher and complete induction?

Yes. The placement must offer sufficient breadth of experience to allow the NQT to meet, and demonstrate that they have met, all the core standards. This means that a peripatetic music teacher may wish to engage in some regular classroom teaching to aid them in meeting the core standards. Similar rules would therefore apply in this situation that also apply to teachers working part-time in more than one school.

See paragraph 2.24 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB), on what constitutes a suitable post for induction, and also paragraphs 2.50 to 2.53 on completing induction on a part-time basis (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

NQTs who are thinking about taking up this kind of post may want to contact the Federation of Music Services by e-mail at chief.exec@fedms.fsnet.co.uk

What is the minimum requirement for classroom teaching for peripatetic music teachers in a mainstream school, to allow them to do induction?

There is no prescribed limit for mainstream classroom teaching in this context. One day a week has satisfied induction coordinators in various authorities. Please refer to core standards 26, 35 and 40. These standards can only be met if a newly qualified teacher is teaching the same children on a regular basis. Note that some authorities have used the Wider Opportunities Standards Fund to support peripatetic music teachers through induction – facilitating part time classroom teaching in a mainstream school.

On what basis will NQTs teach a reduced timetable?

All NQTs, including those working part-time on a pro rata basis, should have a timetable of no more than 90 per cent of other mainscale teachers. This reduction in teaching duties is in addition to the 10 per cent planning, preparation and assessment time allowed for all teachers. Further details of headteachers'/principals' obligations to provide a reduced timetable are available in the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document, 2010.

This time should be used for activities relating to the NQT's induction programme. It should not be used as unspecified non-contact time or to cover for absent colleagues.

See paragraphs 2.27 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

The release time should be over and above any time normally assigned to teachers for activities such as planning and marking. It should be used for a targeted and coherent programme of professional development, monitoring and assessment activities.

In calculating the reduction in teaching time, we suggest schools use the normal contact ratio for mainscale teachers, without additional responsibilities as their baseline. Further details of this are set out in the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document, 2010.

The headteacher/principal should ensure the release time is distributed in a way that meets the needs of the individual NQT and the school. For example:

• some schools prefer to distribute the time available in one- or two-day blocks across the year; others may follow a weekly half-day release pattern or distribute the time in single periods across each week
• some training needs may be addressed through specific activities, such as visits to other settings that last for a whole day or longer; a school could identify a half session per week for the NQT's regular induction programme and 'bank' the rest towards such activities.

Whatever the pattern adopted, release time should be allocated from an early stage in the induction period and be distributed so that the NQT is supported throughout the induction period.

Can an NQT undertake induction in an age group and subject they have not trained in?

Yes. When an NQT has qualified teacher status they can teach any age range or subject, irrespective of training. However, teaching outside the age range and subject for which they trained is unlikely to offer the best context for induction. An NQT in this situation is likely to need additional support to meet, and demonstrate they are meeting, the core standards.

Can newly qualified teachers take a break during their induction period?

Yes. They can take a break for as long as they like, but during that period they cannot take up a permanent post in a maintained school or non-maintained special school. This is because they must continue with their induction programme if they are in a school where the programme is available.

Short-term supply teaching is permissible because it does not count as a period of employment towards the required induction period during a break (provided the 16 month period has not expired). They can also teach in a setting where induction is not compulsory, eg an independent school or a further education college.

See paragraph 2.55 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Are there any circumstances in which induction can be completed in less than three full terms?

Yes. From 1 September 2008 the regulations allow the prescribed induction period to be reduced in exceptional circumstances by up to, and including, 29 days. This only applies when all the following criteria are met:

• The newly qualified teacher (NQT) cannot continue their induction in the same institution the following term (normally due to a time-limited contract)
• The NQT has met the core standards
• The NQT agrees to the period being reduced
• The shortfall in the induction period, when combined with absences that fall during the period, totals 29 days or fewer

Where the NQT works part-time, only absences that fall when the NQT is contracted to work should be counted towards the 29 days.

For further information see paragraph 3.2-3.6 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

How is induction affected by maternity leave?

If an NQT has a break in her induction that includes statutory maternity leave, she can choose whether or not to extend induction by a period equivalent to the statutory maternity leave. Outstanding assessments should not be made until she returns to work and has had the opportunity to decide whether to extend induction. Any extension request must be granted.

If an NQT chooses not to extend her induction period following a period of statutory maternity leave, her performance will still be assessed against the core standards. Individuals in this situation should seek advice from their headteacher/principal, induction tutor or an appropriate teacher union professional association before making this decision.

Further information on statutory maternity leave entitlement can be found on the Directgov website.

See paragraph 3.10 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

What are the rules on paternity leave?

The induction regulations make no special provision for paternity leave. Paternity absence should be counted as normal absence under the 29 day rule. Fathers are not entitled to an aggregated extension based on their paternity leave. Absence of 30 days or more requires an aggregated extension to the induction period equal to the period of absence.

Will my induction be extended if I have been absent?

The induction period is automatically extended prior to completion when an NQT's absences during the entire induction period total 30 days or more. In these circumstances the induction period must be extended by the aggregate total of days absent, for example if the NQT is absent for a total of 35 days, the induction period is extended by 35 days Please note that when the NQT works part - time, only absences that fall when the NQT is contracted to work should be counted. In the case of NQTs being absent from school for the reasons below the absent rule would still apply in these situations.

• Paternity Leave
• Jury Service

See paragraph 3.7 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

If a newly qualified teacher hasn't had confirmation of successful completion of induction and the local authority has no record of the assessment(s), what should be done?

Successful completion of induction will be confirmed in writing by the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE). If an NQT completed three full terms of induction (or equivalent) and has not received this letter they should contact the GTCE directly. Schools register NQTs with an appropriate body – usually their local authority (LA) – at the beginning of the induction period and assessment forms are sent to that body at the end of each assessment period.

It is the responsibility of both school and LA to retain assessment evidence beyond the end of the NQT support programme. In the unlikely event that evidence is misplaced or has not been passed from the school to the LA, NQTs should contact their induction tutor in the first instance and then the LA's induction coordinator. Induction cannot be assessed retrospectively so we recommend that NQTs retain a copy of their assessments for their own records as an additional safeguard.

See paragraph 2.111 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

When an NQT has passed induction how long should a local authority retain their records?

The TDA recommends that local authorities retain records for at least six years (this is line with the guidance on performance management). After that time they should follow their own internal policy on data retention.

Can an NQT teacher who fails their induction support programme appeal against the decision?

A newly qualified teacher (NQT) can appeal to the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) by sending a notice of appeal within 20 days beginning with the date the NQT receive notice of the Appropriate Bodies decision – this can be a letter. Please visit the GTCE website for more information. Section five of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) provides more information on the appeals process (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

If an NQT fails their induction support programme, can they take it again?

An NQT has one chance only to complete induction. An NQT who has failed to meet the core standards in completing the induction period is not permitted to repeat induction. While an NQT does not lose his or her QTS, he or she cannot be employed lawfully as a teacher in a relevant school. See paragraph 1.23 of the Statutory guidance on induction for NQTs in England (PDF, 317KB) (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).