Consultation on Performance Management for Headteachers and Teachers

A consultation on revised performance management arrangements for teachers and Headteachers is currently live on the DfES website, with the opportunity to respond by 19 July. Although the DfES propose to replace the existing regulations with more fully developed processes and procedures, many of the principles will remain the same. Key proposals include:

Greater clarity at the outset about the basis on which performance will be reviewed and sources of evidence

"An appropriate and proportionate approach to classroom observation"

Scope for Headteacher and Governing Body to intervene

Direct link to pay decisions.

Colleagues from Children's Services HR, Workforce Remodelling and the Advisory Service, will be attending consultation events organised by the Rewards and Incentives Group (RIG) during June 2006, looking at the key features of the proposals.

Following on from that, there will be training sessions arranged for Headteachers and Governors during the Autumn Term, to provide:-

Focused guidance on how to apply the changes to regulations

Practical tools and techniques to help schools with the process

Recommended templates for tailoring to schools' needs

Key messages to assist in embedding performance development into a school's usual way of working.

Please note, as the consultation will not be completed until 19 July, the Governor Support Service has cancelled the Performance Management sessions on 6th, 10th and 11th July, owing to the likely changes being made to the processes related to performance reviews and the need to ensure that correct information is given. However, dates have already been earmarked for Performance Management sessions in October and these will feature in the Governor Training Programme for the Autumn Term 2006. For more details, please contact Sue Platt in the Governor Support Service on 01603 433276.

If you require more information or have a query, please contact either Bob Hedley, HR Manager, on 01603 222418, or Peter Simmonds, Workforce Remodelling Project Manager, on 01603 638092/754278.