The National Induction Panel for Teachers (NIPT) provides robust, high quality support for the Induction of NQTs, writes Peter Beaven, CEO. Despite only starting in September 2013 the scheme has attracted over 250 NQTs from 75 schools across the country with many more indicating they want to join once their agreements for this academic year come to an end.
NIPT provides an on-line system for recording assessments, dispensing with the paper trail required by LAs. NIPT’s quality assurance ensures that difficult decisions about NQT competency are well evidenced and supported. The emphasis is on providing a high quality system to improve and maintain the professional standards of NQTs.
In keeping with the new Teacher Standards, NIPT places the decision on whether the NQT has met the Induction Standards on the school. NIPT provides the structure for Induction, ensuring that induction tutors and mentors have a clear process with enough support to make judgments and give feedback, and that NQTs know clearly what is expected of them and how they are measuring up during their Induction Year.
Members have been impressed by the quality of the scheme. The training courses run for Induction Coordinators in September were rated as Excellent (84%) and Good (16%).
Alternatively, NIPT offers access to training and support on-line and avoid the costs and disruption caused by staff being out of school. Too often schools have had to send staff out on courses only to experience poor quality at great expense. Also, there are no hidden extras such as additional payments when an NQT is struggling. The cost paid by schools is the cost and will not be inflated by subsequent add-ons.
The on-line bank of documents and training videos have been well received.
“Thank you for sending though these resources. I have now had time to review them all - they are very helpful and it is refreshing to see NQT induction and assessment being taken so seriously.”
Anne Macdonald, Queen Elizabeth’s Boys School, Barnet
“I have found the paperwork and notes very beneficial and feel the NQTs are well supported and ‘secure’.”
Deborah Barakat, Excelsior Academy in Newcastle,
“The level and speed of support has been exceptional. The training offered is flexible and of high quality and the resources that are provided have made the administration of the process far more incisive and streamlined. Highly recommended.”
Ian Fidler, The West Bridgford School, Nottingham
The on-line resources can be used by schools and integrated into their own training schedule. It is this cost-effective, personalized approach that led to the Gulf English School in Qatar
All assessments are read by the Quality Assurance Team and feedback provided. In addition, 30% of academies receive a Quality Assurance visit, to ensure that systems and processes are in place to support the decisions academies make about their NQT. The first of these, at University Academy in Liverpool was welcomed “…as it provided the guidelines, support and advice as to how to improve our induction process. Strengths of our practice were also highlighted which was appreciated.”
NIPT is determined to ensure the scheme provides the best structure for quality induction so that schools are able to be confident that NQTs are meeting their high expectations. Di Marshall of Violet Way Primary Academy writes that NIPT “Expects a lot from NQTS. It is better than the LA if you want outstanding teachers. NIPT is rigorous and expects NQTs to reflect on their own practice on a weekly basis. This increases rigour, but maintains focus on improvement throughout, rather than being end-loaded’.
As many Local Authorities cut back on their support, and schools see the actual cost of NQT Induction exceed the initial cost of buying the LA service, NIPT will seem an obvious choice for NQT Induction in the future.
Colleagues have said:
I am delighted to see a much-needed high quality, professional alternative to the LA NQT induction programmes. I have twice in recent years experienced a refusal to fail an NQT on the grounds that it was LA policy never to fail but to carry on extending the probationary period despite the professional judgement and evidence of the academy of an individual’s unsuitability and inadequate performance. The sum per NQT is a small cost to ensure that new entrants to teaching are all good or better.
Monica Cross
Executive Principal The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy
As an academy with a different academic year pattern we need the flexibility that NIPT offers. Our NQTs often start before September and we need the NQT assessment process and support package to begin when they start, not several weeks later. We are really excited about the flexibilities that we have with this new provider.
Ros McMullen
CEO, LEAF Academy Trust and Principal, David Young Community Academy
If you wish to know more please visit the NIPT web site at www.nqtinduction.co.uk where you can complete the registration form.
