What to Expect from Your NQT Year
During your teacher training, you would have heard about taking your NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) year once you qualify. The NQT year is a staple of the professional development of all teachers, acting as a bridge between your training and career, by providing additional support and opportunities for development.
However, from September 2021 the NQT year is all set to change. With the new Early Career Framework Reforms coming into play. Now, the government will fund continued structured support for NQT’s in both their first and second years of teaching.
This increased access to professional development is great news for new teachers! But what exactly can you expect as a newly qualified teacher?
At the NQT Pool, we can help you find your perfect NQT job by matching you with thousands of schools across England and Wales. We’re also here to provide you with everything you need to know about starting your teaching career.
In this article, we answer the most common questions about Early Careers years, so you know exactly what to expect in your first two years as a teacher!
How long is an NQT year?
Previously, an NQT year was three complete school terms. With the new reforms, Early Careers support will last for six complete school terms (or two academic years). These are usually completed full time and within two academic years, however, this doesn’t have to be the case.
Do you need to pass an NQT year?
Yes. During both your first and second years of teaching, you will have a reduced timetable, this is to give you additional time to develop your practice and work towards demonstrating that you have met the relevant professional teaching standards. These standards detail the required skills for teaching across a number of areas, such as subject knowledge, planning, assessment, learning environment, behavior management, and professional conduct. Previously, a reduced timetable lasted for just your first year as an NQT.
How do you pass your NQT year?
Throughout your induction years, you will have a number of lesson observations, as well as regular meetings to discuss your development. Additionally, you will be required to keep a portfolio of evidence showing where you are meeting each teaching standard. Your headteacher will inform the local authority if you have made progress in meeting the standards, they will then confirm if you have met the requirements in order to pass.
Can you complete the induction at any school?
You can have your induction in almost all schools and educational providers. This includes; maintained schools, academies, free schools, pupil referral units, alternative provisions, independent schools, sixth forms, and further education colleges.
You can also undergo induction at an independent school overseas, as long as it has been inspected by a DfE-accredited inspectorate within the past six years against the standards for inspection of British schools overseas.
Schools currently in special measures cannot take on a newly qualified teacher, although Ofsted can overrule this in certain cases.
What are yo
u entitled to during your NQT years?
Your school is required to give you a 10% reduction in your teaching timetable in your first year, and a 5% reduction in your second (in addition to PPA time). This is to allow time for you to undertake training and mentoring. You are also entitled to an NQT mentor, who will offer regular reviews on your progress and help you to create effective development strategies.
How can Teaching Personnel can help?
If you want to avoid writing a personal statement altogether then Teaching Personnel’s NQT Pool is for you. Register once and you we will actively promote you to schools in the areas you choose and help you prepare to nail the interview. Find out more and register here.