For full-time newly qualified teachers (NQTs), six half-termly progress reviews and three formal assessment meetings will be conducted over the induction period.
For part-time NQTs, the meetings are carried out on a pro rata basis. After each of the first two formal assessment meetings, the headteacher/principal will send an assessment report on the NQT's progress towards meeting the core standards to the appropriate body At the end of induction, the headteacher/principal will recommend whether or not the NQT has successfully met the core standards.
In terms of review and formal assessment, the statutory guidance places the following expectations on the induction tutor, NQT, headteacher/principal, appropriate body and the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE):
- Induction tutor: carry out six progress reviews and coordinate three formal assessment meetings
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NQT: keep track of, and participate effectively in, the scheduled progress reviews and assessment meetings
- Headteacher/principal: ensure termly assessment forms are completed and sent to the appropriate body, including the recommendation on whether standards have been met at the end of the period
- Appropriate body: maintain records and assessment reports for each NQT undertaking induction; at the end of the induction period, decide whether the NQT has met the core standards and notify the relevant parties within the agreed time limits; provide the GTCE with data on NQTs starting or completing induction and those who start and then leave a school/college part way through an induction period
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GTCE: the GTCE is the appeal body in England
Progress review meeting
Progress reviews are an opportunity for the induction tutor and NQT to discuss achievements and agree any changes to the induction plan in terms of objectives or actions. Progress reviews should be held half-termly (pro rata for part-time NQTs) and it is good practice to schedule them in at the start of induction.
The NQT and induction tutor should be properly prepared before the progress review meeting. For the induction tutor, this includes seeking feedback from the NQT's mentor and other colleagues who have, for example, run specialist induction sessions or observed the NQT.
Formal assessment meeting
The termly formal assessment meeting (pro rata for part-time NQTs) prior to completing the assessment form should be informed by evidence of the NQT's professional practice and the outcome of progress review meetings.
Objectives should be reviewed and revised in relation to the core standards and the needs and strengths of the individual NQT. Evidence should come from day-to-day practice, eg examples of planning and self-evaluation as well as lesson observations.
The outcomes of the final formal assessment meeting provide an opportunity for the induction tutor and NQT to take stock of what has been achieved over the induction period and prepare the NQT for involvement in performance management arrangements.
Evidence of progress towards meeting the core standard
Over the course of the induction period, evidence from day-to-day practice as well as from specific development activities will build up to show how the NQT is making progress towards meeting the core standards.
There is no requirement to maintain a portfolio of evidence against each standard. The booklet ‘Supporting the Induction Process’ is arranged thematically, grouping together standards that have a natural relationship, and is designed to help an NQT review progress and identify professional development needs and priorities.
Advice and guidance on completing assessment forms
NQTs must demonstrate that they have completed induction satisfactorily to remain registered with the GTCE and to be able to continue teaching in a maintained school or non-maintained special school.
NQTs need to know that evidence from support and development activities will feed into the progress review meetings and be summarised in the termly assessment reports; lesson observation is just one source of evidence towards this overall picture. Reports are cumulative over the year, building to give a complete picture of the NQT's professional practice measured against the core standards. If links are made to the core standards in action plans, the day-to-day evidence that arises from the actions will become the evidence base for the assessment report. There should be no surprises.
Most local authorities and the Independent Schools Council Teacher Induction Panel (ISCtip) organise training that includes practical guidance on gathering evidence and completing assessment forms. To find out what is offered in your area, contact your local authority NQT induction coordinator.
Your questions on induction
If you have a query, please read our popular questions on induction. If you can't find the answer to your question, you can call us on 0300 065 6526 or e-mail: induction@tda.gov.uk for more information. The phone line is open from 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday, except on public holidays. If you are unable to speak to a member of the team please leave a message and someone will get back to you.