The Induction Period

For a full time Newly Qualified Teacher the period of induction usually lasts for one academic year and covers 878 school sessions. For a part -time Newly Qualified Teacher it is calculated pro rata.

These arrangements have particular implications for Newly Qualified Teachers working in more than one school or who are employed on a supply basis.

Teachers, who obtain QTS after 7 th May 1999 whatever route, must complete an induction period of three school terms (or equivalent) if they are to continue to work in maintained schools or in non-maintained special schools in England. NQT's which are awarded QTS but do not satisfactory complete a statutory induction period will not be eligible for employment as a teacher in a maintained school or non maintained special school. They will NOT however, lose their QTS.

Short Term supply placements of less than a term cannot count towards induction. You can do short term supply i.e. placements lasting for less than a term, for 4 terms only. The 4 th term limit starts as soon as you start your first short-term placement. The 4 terms are measured as a fixed calendar period, rather than an aggregation of your short term supply work. Therefore, once you take up your first short term supply post the “clock Starts ticking” and does not stop during periods when you are not undertaking such supply.

Once your 4 terms are over, you cannot undertake supply work in maintained schools or non maintained special schools UNLESS it is a supply placement of a t least a term and counts towards your induction period or where a LEA has agreed to extend your entitlement to short term supply work due to exceptional circumstances which prevent you from securing a post where induction can be undertaken.