Advanced Skills Teachers (ASTs)

To: Headteachers of all Norfolk schools 7 May 2008

Update on Norfolk's arrangements for AST posts
Following an evaluation and review of Norfolk's AST programme in 2007, the considerable benefits of the scheme are being maintained and strengthened from April 2008. Most aspects of the arrangements will continue, and a few have been amended.

ASTs play an important role in developing effective and innovative teaching and learning, inspiring and supporting other teachers. However, as one of its key findings, the review identified a need for greater flexibility in appointing and deploying ASTs. These processes should reflect changing needs within Norfolk's overall agenda of Every Child Matters, including specific priorities relating to school improvement and to raising teaching and learning standards.

What remains the same?

	The LA's use of the DCSF's definition of an AST to inform our strategy: "An Advanced Skills Teacher (AST) is an excellent teacher who achieves the very highest standards of classroom practice and who is paid to share his or her skills and experience with other teachers."
	The principle of supporting AST posts, not individual teachers, within the resources available.
	Opportunities for any LA school to request support from an AST by using the information and forms located on the Norfolk Schools website (Professional Development section / AST pages).
	The expectation that those in receipt of AST support will provide evaluative feedback to the LA and AST on the impact of their work.
	Joint management of the ASTs' outreach work by the employing school and the relevant LA Advisor(s).
	Regular reviews of posts, with funding dependent upon ASTs working in accordance with the LA's expectations of undertaking outreach and inreach work, and meeting the requirements of the national professional standards for ASTs.
	Arrangements for those ASTs already in post in January 2008, as set out in the letter (Feb 2008) to Headteachers of schools employing ASTs.
	Once a teacher has been successfully assessed as an AST, the funding comprises 2 elements
1.	the difference between M6 and the lowest point on the 5-point range of the AST pay scale, as agreed in advance of the appointment process.
2.	An annual payment of £6200 to fund cover for 1-day per week outreach activities

What has changed?

	Termly reports continue to be required from the employing school, but have been amended to include an evaluation of the AST's inreach/outreach work based on a professional review discussion between the AST and her/his Line Manager.
	When an AST leaves or relinquishes a post, the LA will no longer automatically agree a like-for-like replacement in the school with continued funding. Instead, the vacated post will be reviewed with Headteacher in the light of the LA's needs and priorities.
	New AST posts continue to be agreed in negotiation with the employing schools, but will only be supported for a fixed period of 3 years in the first instance. At the end of that period, the post will be reviewed in the light of the LA's needs and priorities. This means that the school will need to decide at the outset, whether to offer the post:
a)	on a fixed-term contract or
b)	as a temporary internal promotion (with the person reverting to their substantive post at the end of their fixed-term contract if the subsidy does not continue) or

c)	on a permanent basis in the full knowledge that the funding is not guaranteed beyond three years
	Although this advice will reflect most situations, schools check should other situations with their HR Consultant in order that the correct contractual arrangements are made at the outset.

If a teacher appointed to an agreed post is not already an AST, termly funding of £1500 will be made to the school to support the teacher's preparation for assessment. These payments will continue for up to 3 terms or until the teacher is successfully assessed as meeting the AST standards and moves onto the AST salary scale, whichever comes sooner. This 'partial' grant will enable the teacher to be released to undertake inreach/outreach work and gain the experience expected of an AST.

Further information about all aspects of AST appointments can be found in the DCSF guidance Advanced Skills Teachers - Promoting Excellence' September 2007. This is also available via the AST pages of the Norfolk Schools website.

If you have any queries about Norfolk's AST programme please contact Julia Stephens (Adviser, Teacher Development /AST Coordinator) Email: Julia Stephens Tel: 01603 433276