Putting in place additional monitoring and support

4.1 If it becomes apparent that an NQT is not making satisfactory progress, the appropriate body should be informed and the headteacher or principal must ensure that additional monitoring and support measures are put in place immediately – action must not be delayed until a formal assessment meeting has taken place.

It is important that the NQT is made aware of where they need to improve their practice, and given every opportunity to raise their performance. The headteacher/principal and the appropriate body should be satisfied that:

  • areas in which improvement is needed have been correctly identified;
  • appropriate objectives have been set to guide the NQT towards satisfactory performance against the relevant standards; and
  • an effective support programme is in place to help the NQT improve their performance.

Action if performance is still unsatisfactory at the next assessment point

4.2 In many cases the additional monitoring and support measures mentioned above will have the desired effect and the NQT will go on to be formally assessed at the end of the period as having performed satisfactorily against the relevant standards.

Where there are still concerns about the NQT’s progress at the next formal assessment point (and this is not the final assessment), the headteacher/principal should explain to the NQT the consequences of failure to complete the induction period satisfactorily and discuss fully with the NQT:

  • the identified weaknesses;
  • the agreed objectives previously set in relation to the requirements for the satisfactory completion of induction, updating these as necessary;
  • details of additional monitoring and support put in place;
  • the evidence used to inform the judgement; and
  • details of the improvement plan for the next assessment period.

4.3 The completion of the assessment report will reflect the current rate of progress and brief details of the issues discussed.

Action in the event of serious capability problems

4.4 In a few particularly serious cases it may be necessary to instigate capability procedures which may lead to dismissal before the end of the induction period. If this is the case, for as long as the NQT remains at the institution, the induction process must continue in parallel with the capability procedure. The appropriate body should be informed.

4.5 Dismissal on the grounds of capability before the end of the induction period does not prevent the NQT from completing induction at another institution, as all NQTs must complete a full induction period before they can be judged to have failed induction.

Making an appeal against a decision by the appropriate body

4.6 If an NQT fails induction, or has their induction extended, the appropriate body must advise the NQT of their right to appeal, who to appeal to, and the time limit for doing so. In England the Appeal Body is the Teaching Agency which acts on behalf of the Secretary of State. For induction completed in Wales, the Appeals Body is the General Teaching Council for Wales (GTCW).

4.7 Further guidance about the appeals process is also available from the associated resources section of this page.