Dismissing underperforming teachers

Poor teachers could be removed within a term as opposed to the current procedure, which can take up to a year.

Currently, the minimum timeframe for removing staff is 24 weeks, which will be reduced to a minimum of nine weeks.

Teachers will also have to have yearly assessments to see if they meet new standards on teaching as well as personal and professional conduct.

The problem of underperforming teachers being moved from one school to another is also being considered by the Government.

If their proposals are passed, a school that is looking to hire a particular teacher will be able to ask previous employers if the teacher has undergone “capability procedures” to identify if there are any problems.

Whilst these changes will be welcomed by many schools, it is still vital that any poor performance issues are properly addressed to minimise the risk of having a claim brought against them for unfair dismissal.