What can I do?

A: According to the induction regulations it is your head’s legal responsibility to ensure that you have a timetable of no more than 90 per cent of the average contact time normally allocated to teachers and that the time released is protected, distributed appropriately throughout the induction period and used to support your professional development from the very outset. It’s also in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions agreement. Be pro-active in getting what you’re entitled to. Discuss it verbally first, then follow it up in writing; if that doesn’t work, let the people in charge of induction at your local authority know. They have the role of “appropriate body” in making sure that the induction regulations are complied with. Check induction regulations at www.teachernet.gov.ukprofessionaldevelopmentnqtinductionguidance.