Probationers

Surviving (and Thriving) Your Probationary Year

Starting your probationary year is an exciting step in your teaching career. From getting to know your school and pupils to managing your workload and understanding your rights, a little preparation can make a big difference.

Our guide brings together practical advice to help you settle in, make the most of your probationary year, and know where to turn when you need support.

Before You Start

• Research your school and plan your travel route
• Get your login for the school network
• Request the staff handbook & behaviour policy
• Try to arrive in plenty of time to set up your classes and plan your priorities for the day ahead

Practical Survival Tips

• Build relationships with your faculty/department early – you’ll rely on them all year.
• Protect your time. Although it’s tempting, try not to say yes to everything
• Use your mentor proactively and go to your meetings with questions to ask and solutions
• Find the staffroom and use it. Go for break and lunch, it’s important to take some time to switch off during the day.
• Talk to staff about your pupils, as they know things a class list won’t tell you.
• Try to learn one thing about each of your students – they’ll appreciate you’re taking time to get to know them.

Know Your Rights

• Your Teacher Induction Scheme entitles you to a maximum class contact time of 0.82 FTE (18.5 hours, against the 22.5- hour maximum for fully registered teachers). The rest is protected time for your professional learning.
• Make sure you keep up to date with your GTCS profile and track your evidence as you go.
• Not sure where you stand? Speak to your probationer mentor first, or contact us directly.

Look After Yourself