A checklist of good practice for NQTs
To undertake induction in Wales, NQTs must be registered with the EWC in the category of schoolteacher. The induction period is three school terms, or the equivalent, which equates to 380 sessions. A session is defined as one full morning, or afternoon in a school. Only periods of employment where the NQT is employed as a qualified teacher can count towards Induction. Schools are provided with funding, by the Welsh Government, to assist with the provision of the NQT’s statutory entitlement to a 10 per cent reduction in their timetable (in addition to their PPA time).
In 2022, the Welsh Government consulted on changes to the induction arrangements in Wales. The government proposed implementing the possible changes in September 2022 but, at the time of printing, these changes have yet to be confirmed.
If the answer to any of the questions below is NO then, as a newly qualified NEU member, you should discuss the matter with your workplace representative, in the first instance. Ask a colleague if you are unsure who your representative is. If there is no representative in your workplace you should contact the NEU on 0345 811 8111.
- Have you been assigned an induction mentor?
- Have you been encouraged to be involved in planning your induction programme?
- Have you been provided with a schedule for all your induction activities, including observations, professional reviews of progress, and professional development activities?
- Do you receive copies of all written records relating to your assessment?
- Have you been given the name of someone at the appropriate body with whom you can raise concerns about your induction?
- Have you been appointed an external verifier?
- Are you satisfied with the content and/or delivery of your induction programme?
- Do you receive your entitlement to a reduced teaching load? The School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions (Wales) Document [STPC(W)D] states you must not teach for more than 90 per cent of the time of other main pay scale teachers (without responsibility points) in the school. Is this in addition to your 10 per cent PPA time?
- Are you receiving your salary on time?
- Do you feel your job description is reasonable?
- Are you teaching the age range and/or subjects for which you have trained?
- Have you got the resources to support the pupils in your class?
- If you are working as a supply teacher, are you aware that every supply session counts towards your induction? Have you completed the Induction as a Short-Term Supply Teacher Notification Form on the Education Workforce Council website?
- Have you received your contract of employment, timetable, induction support arrangements and all relevant school policies?
- Do you feel confident that you know what is expected of you during your induction period, including how to use your career entry profile and your Professional Learning Passport?
- Do you have easy access to a copy of the Welsh Government circular 012/2017 on induction?
