Revised arrangements to teachers' and head teachers' performance management that will support ongoing professional development and help to secure better outcomes for pupils will be in place by Autumn 2007, which was announced by Jim Knight with an updated timeline for the introduction of performance management requirements for schools and local authorities.

In 2005 the Government's Five-Year Strategy for Children and Learners set out plans for a refocusing of current performance management arrangements for teachers and head teachers. Revised arrangements for performance management, that build on these plans, and reflect the wider aim of creating the new professionalism for teachers (described by Rewards and Incentives Group (RIG) in its May 2005 evidence to the School Teachers' Review Body) were published for consultation in June. The proposals were broadly welcomed but feedback from local authorities early in the consultation highlighted concern about introducing the revised arrangements in the autumn term. This view was reinforced by the responses to the consultation. It is evident that schools and local authorities are keen to get the introduction of the revised arrangements right and therefore need more time to prepare.

Having considered the outcomes of the consultations and the advice of the RIG social partners, Ministers have agreed that the timeline for implementing the revised arrangements for teachers' performance management will be extended until autumn 2007. The revised regulations and guidance will still be published as planned in the 2006 autumn term to ensure schools and local authorities have as much time as possible to plan and prepare in the current academic year. The Training and Development Agency for Schools is supporting the implementation and will also be supporting workshops this term and providing guidance and other support for schools, governors and local authorities over the coming academic year.

Press release details

Press release type