Here are our top tips for ensuring you have everything in place for the appraisal period:
- Check your appraisal policy is up-to-date and compliant with the most recent legislation;
- Circulate your policy and timeline for appraisals to staff, remind staff about their responsibilities under the policy. Don’t forget support staff who may have a different cycle to allow time for the process to take place;
- Allocate an appropriate appraiser, normally a line manager, to all members of staff in school and ensure they have sufficient knowledge on the appraisal process and are trained in having supportive conversations with staff;
- Link main objectives with your improvement plan, ensure they are specific and appropriate for the member of staff’s role and level of pay. Agree and include a measure of how performance is going to be assessed and when. Allow objectives for personal growth too;
- Ensure staff receive a written appraisal report including their performance against objectives and a recommendation on pay, where applicable. Allow staff to comment on their performance;
- Link identified training and development needs with your CPD programme;
- Ensure appropriate arrangements for moderation are in place.
- Once pay decisions have been ratified, issue an annual pay statement to the teacher, retaining a copy on file.
Teachers eligible for UPR1 can voluntarily submit an application for assessment by the Headteacher. Any qualified teacher on the main pay range can apply for threshold assessment, not just those at the top. An application will be successful where it is clear that the teacher is highly competent in all elements of the relevant standards and the teacher’s achievements and contribution are substantial and sustained.
Teachers eligible to progress to UPR2 or UPR3 can be assessed on their performance over the previous two years. Unless stated otherwise in your policy, a teacher is not required to submit other evidence for progression however may do if they wish. The Headteacher should make clear to staff the process used to inform decisions.
FusionHR offer documents and templates to support your needs for appraisal including model policy, appraisal forms and a meeting checklist. We also have two opportunities for you to attend our Appraisal and Capability training on 3rd April in Bradford and 25th April in Leeds. To book call 01924 827869.
If you need any guidance about appraisal or capability, please get in touch with one of our team on 01924 827869.
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