Performance, appraisal and probation
Performance and development appraisal
This policy does not apply to non-teaching staff in schools.
All employees have annual performance and development appraisals, with regular one to one discussions.
At the end of the appraisal year, all appraisal reviews will include a discussion of the employee's performance.
Probationary periods
All new employees are subject to a four-month probationary period before an appointment is confirmed. This may be ended earlier or extended by up to one month following discussion with the manager and employee concerned.
Employees who commenced employment prior to 1 July 2026 will remain subject to the probationary arrangements in place at the time of their appointment, as set out in their contract of employment.
All new employees will be set objectives in their initial performance and development appraisal. Managers will monitor these objectives over the first four months through the probation policy.
Increments will only be payable to new starters once they have had:
- at least six months in post
- a successful probation or performance and development appraisal review
To terminate employment during the probationary period, we or the employee must give one month’s notice in writing.
The appointing one point below guidance shows arrangements for employees appointed under this policy.