Changes to induction for newly qualified teachers during COVID-19

The Department for Education has published guidance on the changes to newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

"We recognise that the current COVID-19 public health emergency will likely have a profound impact on the number of absences newly qualified teachers (NQTs) take this academic year," the guidance says.

The DfE is in the process of making regulatory changes so that NQTs absent for reasons related to the current COVID-19 public health emergency will not have their induction period automatically extended. This is subject to parliamentary agreement.

Current arrangements state that ad-hoc absences totalling 30 days or more automatically extends induction by the aggregate number of days absent. However,

"The DfE intends to amend the regulations to ensure that any absence related to the current COVID-19 public health emergency, including school closures, sickness or self-isolation, will not count towards this limit. This means that NQTs who are currently undertaking statutory induction can complete their induction this academic year as expected, provided they meet the Teachers’ Standards," the guidance says.

Headteachers and appropriate bodies should continue to judge whether a NQT has met the Teachers’ Standards upon completion of the induction period, which for most, will be the end of the academic year.

If there are concerns that a NQT has not achieved the standards by the end of their induction period, the DfE says headteachers and appropriate bodies should exercise their discretion to recommend an extension, allowing the NQT further time and opportunity to demonstrate their ability to meet the standards.