Teacher appraisals must continue in maintained schools during the coronavirus pandemic, the government has said.

However, schools should “use their discretion” and “take pragmatic steps” to adapt arrangements in light of the current circumstances, according to the Department for Education (DfE).

Updated DfE guidance published last night states that appraisal and performance management processes should continue in maintained schools during the pandemic, but teachers must not be “penalised” as a result of partial school closures, where this has impacted their ability to fully meet their objectives.

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Under the heading: “Should appraisals and performance management processes continue for teachers during this period?”, the advice states: “Yes, maintained schools must continue to adhere to the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), which includes the requirement to ensure that all pay progression for teachers is linked to performance management.

“However, we would expect schools to use their discretion and take pragmatic steps, to adapt performance management and appraisal arrangements to take account of the current circumstances.”

It adds: “Schools must ensure that teachers are not penalised during the appraisal process or in respect of any subsequent pay progression decisions as a result of partial school closures, where this has impacted on the ability of the teacher to meet fully their objectives.”

In relation to support staff, the guidance states: “Appraisals and performance management for support staff should be carried out in accordance with the employee’s contract of employment. 

“DfE does not specify pay or terms and conditions of employment for support staff.”