Context and background
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. (See MI sheet 80/08 May 2008)

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. The review also highlighted the need to increase the number of Primary ASTs.

Why are we looking to appoint more primary ASTs?

	to help meet LA priorities for school improvement
	to give the LA flexibility to respond to changing needs and priorities
	to provide more CPD opportunities for teachers wishing to progress their career through a 'classroom-based' route
	to provide opportunities for more schools to be directly involved in employing ASTs, and in working with ASTs

What arrangements are being proposed?

	Up to 12 additional / potential Primary AST secondments in place and being supported by January 2009
	3-year funded internal, school-based secondments
	At the end of the secondment a number of possibilities will exist for the secondee, depending on the situation at the time, including:

		returning to their substantive post
		applying for a different, school-funded post that may be available at the time
		extending the secondment (in exceptional circumstances)

What are the benefits of the AST role?
The AST programme supports the retention and further development of the highest quality classroom teachers (including Leading Teachers), with wide-ranging benefits:

	the employing school benefits by retaining their services as a classroom teacher, spreading their excellent practice through the school and building on the good ideas they bring back from other schools
	other schools benefit through the outreach contribution the AST is able to make and the potential for building collaborative links
	pupils benefit through the AST's special contribution to raising teaching and learning standards
	the Local Authority (LA) benefits by sharing and developing good practice across schools and raising standards overall
	the AST benefits by broadening their experience and working with new challenges
	the profession benefits by providing another career option

What are the cost implications*?

	Once it has been agreed to support an internal secondment, the school will receive a grant of £1750 per term to enable an aspiring AST to be released for regular outreach work, and to support her/his preparation towards AST assessment
	Once the teacher has been successfully assessed as an AST, the grant to the employing school will be increased to take account of 3 elements:
	The difference between M6 and the lowest point on the agreed 5-point range of the AST pay scale. The seconded posts will be within points 1 (£34938 pa) and 9 (£42564 pa). Schools can use this flexibility to select the most appropriate 5-point scale, having regard to:

	the current salary of the individual concerned and
	establishing a scale that sits comfortably between the salary of the highest paid teacher and the range of those on Leadership pay (as required by the Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document)

	An annual payment of £6200 to fund supply cover for 1-day per week outreach activities.
	An annual payment of £500 to contribute to other expenses such as additional on-costs, travel etc.

This funding will continue until the 3-year internal secondment period ends, at which point the AST post will be reviewed in the light of the LA's priorities at that time.

*NB Where relevant, any existing funding arrangements (eg for Leading Teachers) would need to be taken into account to avoid 'double-funding'.

What happens next?

	If you (and/or one of your teachers) would like to know more about the role and work of an AST, and the criteria against which they are assessed, visit the 'Professional Development' section of the Norfolk schools website. You can access the latest DCSF guidance and information document concerning ASTs: 'Promoting Excellence' via the 'News and Update' page.
	If you are still interested in becoming part of the LA's expanding AST programme and in offering a secondment in your school, you should book onto one of the briefing sessions for Headteachers and potential ASTs, scheduled for June.
	Schools are asked to submit their proposals for AST posts by Friday 11 July, using the given template
	The school's SDA (or another LA Advisor) will need to endorse the school's proposal using a pro-forma - having observed/talked to the aspiring AST and Headteacher
	Schools will be notified in writing about the outcome of their proposal
	The schools/teachers involved will then be supported and guided in implementing the programme

Who is available to answer any queries?

	Julia Stephens (Adviser, Teacher Development /AST Coordinator) Email: Julia Stephens
	Micky Harcourt-Heath (Primary Adviser/AST Link Adviser/Leading Teacher Co-ordinator) Email: Micky Harcourt

Both Julia and Micky are based at the Norwich Professional Development Centre: Tel 01603 433276