FAST TRACK TEACHING PROGRAMME

This is an accelerated development programme (of up to 5 years) for teachers in the early stages of their careers. It provides a highly individualised programme of support, mentoring and development activities designed to help selected teachers to develop the skills to take on a leadership role in education as well as being a good classroom teacher. A number of Norfolk teachers (mostly NQTs) recently attended meetings about the programme and will be considering whether or not to apply to be considered. Any application will need support and endorsement from the Headteacher. The Fast Track programme is fully funded by the DfES, including the teacher's enhanced salary costs, and training for the teacher's mentor. There tends to be some confusion over what the Fast Track Programme entails compared to, say, the Advanced Skills Teachers Scheme. Fast Track is a career development programme not a qualification. Fast Track teachers do not have to move schools every two years: this aspect of the policy was altered in response to consultation in 2002. Instead, teachers on the Fast Track programme are normally required to have worked in two schools before they cross the Threshold and move onto the Upper Pay Scale.

Further information for Headteachers about the programme is available in the DfES publication ref: DfES/0643/2003 and more generally from the website www.fasttrackteaching.gov.uk/careers

A further source of information is our local DfES Fast Track Adviser:

Denys Hoyland tel: 01449 723 799 email: dhoyland@cfbt.com