I was considered unsatisfactory for my first assessment. If I am “satisfactory” for the next assessment and the third, can I still pass my NQT year in one year or do I need three “satisfactories”?

You do not need three satisfactory reports. The report at the end of the third term is the most important because this is when your headteacher recommends whether you have or have not met the requirements to complete your induction. His or her recommendation is then sent to the “appropriate body”, usually the local education authority, which ultimately decides if you have met the requirements and informs the Department for Education and Employment.

At the end of the first two terms, your head has to make progress reports and tick one of two boxes indicatng whether you will or won’t be able to meet the induction requirements. These are that you continue to meet the QTS standards consistently, meet the 10 additional induction standards and pass the numeracy skills test.

Make sure you are getting enough support, monitoring and assessment, and that you are clear about areas for development and what you have to do. It would be a good idea to keep a log of any instances where the school fails to fulfil its statutory obligations. This could be cited in an appeal if you do fail. Read the induction circular for more information.

Email your questions to friday@tes.co.ukSara Bubb’s new book, A Newly-Qualified Teacher’s Manual: how to meet the induction standards, is published by David Fulton, pound;15. More of your questions answered at www.tes.co.uk