News

Date: 12.02.07

If you are an NQT or have completed your induction period in the last five years, please respond to our online questionnaire. If you work alongside NQTs, please draw their attention to this project.

NQT RESEARCH PROJECT: we need your help!

Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) will know that a compulsory period of induction has to be completed in order to work in maintained schools (or non-maintained special schools) in England and Wales.

 

There is no time limit after achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by which NQTs have to start their induction, but we advise them to try to complete the support programme as soon as possible after being awarded QTS, building on skills and experience gained during training.

 

Many of you tell us that this is easier said than done!  We know that some NQTs have difficulty in finding a suitable position that will support the induction period, despite getting in touch with the local authority or supply agency.

Scotland also has a teacher induction scheme ? but one which ?provides for a guaranteed one-year training place for probationary teachers?.  Currently no such agreement is in place for NQTs in England and Wales. (Arrangements for overseas trained teachers vary. Please contact Voice if you need specific advice.)

 

As a result of this issue being debated at our 2006 Annual Conference ("Conference calls on the Governments of England and Wales to follow the good example of Scotland and guarantee an induction year for all students who complete initial teacher training") Voice?s Education Committee is conducting a research project, comparing induction period experiences for NQTs in England, Wales and Scotland.

 

The aims of the project are to:

• compare accessibility for NQTs in England, Wales and Scotland to appropriate employment for completion of the compulsory induction period;

• assess the potential benefits of a guaranteed induction period; and

• publicise our research to interested organisations, in particular the TDA, National Assembly for Wales and the General Teaching Councils of England, Scotland and Wales.

How can you take part?

 

If you are an NQT or have completed your induction period in the last five years, please respond to our online questionnaire attached (Word).

 

If you work alongside NQTs please draw their attention to this project, inviting them to complete the questionnaire.

Return by post to: Voice Freepost, 2 St. James? Court, Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 9BR.

If you would like to tell us more about your experiences, e-mail nqtresearchproject@pat.org.uk.

We plan to publicise our work widely and are looking forward to hearing from you and your colleagues.

Thank you!

Alison Johnston, Principal Professional Officer (Education)

Complete the questionniare as a Word document

(Return by post to: Voice Freepost, 2 St. James? Court, Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 9BR. )

pressoffice@pat.org.uk