Performance management for teachers and headteachers

The revised regulations for performance management for teachers and headteachers have established a much clearer process and have reduced confusion as to what is expected of participants and when, as follows:

	Timeline for planning and review statement;
	Clarity of access to, and retention of, statements;
	Annual cycle must be completed by 31st October for teachers (31st December for headteachers) in time for pay recommendation to be made to the Governing Body;
	Provisions to limit workload arising from performance management;
	Regulations governing the process are clearer and more detailed;
	Clear right of appeal.

Information and advice was given to schools at performance management briefing sessions during the Spring and Summer terms last year and a revised Norfolk pay and performance management policy was reissued to schools in September 2007 via MI 181/07. MI 136/07 had previously advised schools to carry out consultation with the County Secretaries of the recognised Teaching and Support Staff Trade Unions.

Therefore, in this first cycle under the revised arrangements, all planning statements must have been completed for teachers by 31st October, 2007 and for headteachers by 31st December, 2007.

There has been ongoing advice and support available to schools from Children's Services HR Consultants, SIPs and SDAs, and Peter Simmonds and Virginia Wakely in School Workforce Performance and Development. Numerous visits have been arranged to individual schools by Remodelling Consultants - providing documentation and briefings either for the Headteacher, or with the Chair of Governors, or to the whole teaching staff. These have been greatly appreciated and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

As during the delivery of, and follow-up to, the performance management briefing sessions, LA officers continue to work in liaison with Local WAMG members in monitoring the successful implementation of the revised performance management arrangements in all schools.

If all planning statements under the first cycle have not been completed, or if any schools have a query, or need additional information, or advice and support, or a visit, please contact either Peter Simmonds by email or tel: 07795 265669, or Virginia Wakely by email or tel: 01603 638092.