INSET : Leading Effective Appraisal for Middle and Senior Leaders

“Attending the ‘Leading Effective Appraisal’ webinar has been a game-changer for me. The tips and practical advice significantly increased my confidence in conducting appraisals. I now see appraisals as a powerful tool for developing my team members and strengthening our relationships. The focus on aligning individual goals with our school’s objectives has transformed the process from a compliance exercise into a meaningful and positive experience.”

Sarah Jenkins, Head of Science Department

The annual appraisal is an essential tool for school and subject leaders to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. This comprehensive INSET day will equip middle and senior leaders with the skills to conduct effective appraisals, foster professional growth, and align individual performance with school objectives. The course emphasises practical application, rigorous accountability, and professional development, ensuring that appraisals become a cornerstone of school improvement.

Appraisal Regulations and Performance related pay

In maintained schools and many academies and free schools, the successful completion of performance management is central to accessing pay progression and movement between pay ranges.

In some schools in the academies sector, employers have decided to end the link between pay progression and performance management. However, even in these settings, performance management is the key means employers use to evaluate the effectiveness of teachers’ and school leaders’ practice and effectiveness.

Performance management in maintained schools takes place within the context of the Education (School Teachers’ Appraisal) (England) Regulations 2012. These Regulations are important as they set out requirements about how performance management must be undertaken.

INSET Aims:

• Be clear about the purpose of appraisals.
• Drive school vision with a personalized approach.
• Empower staff through lesson observation.
• Be confident with feedback.
• Enable leadership at all levels.

This course could be offered as one to one or small group coaching.
JMC’s Leadership Coaching can be either face to face or online.
We have an extensive range of Primary/Secondary/Independent and International school leaders ready to act as your mentor or critical friend.
See Mentoring & Coaching

Appraisal INSET outline

Morning Session:

Creating an Effective Appraisal System

• Understanding statutory requirements and ensuring school compliance.
• Designing a bespoke appraisal system tailored to your school’s context.
• Balancing rigor and accountability with professional development.

Aims and Values in Practice

• Using appraisals to deliver school aims and values.
• Aligning individual goals with school development plans.

The Appraisal Cycle

• Step-by-step guide to the appraisal process.
• Key components of effective appraisals and performance management systems.

Running the Appraisal Meeting

• Structuring the meeting for maximum impact.
• Techniques for effective communication and active listening.
• Setting SMART goals and aligning them with organisational objectives.
• Differentiating between professional standards and personalized targets.

Planning for Difficult Conversations

• Strategies for addressing underperformance.
• Best practices for managing and supporting staff.
• Providing constructive feedback that moves teaching and learning forward.
• Handling challenging conversations with confidence and sensitivity.

Afternoon Session

School Development Planning and Self-Evaluation

• Integrating appraisals into the broader context of school improvement.
• Using appraisal data for strategic planning and self-evaluation.

 Monitoring the Quality of Teaching and Learning

• Gathering evidence from various sources.
• Utilising lesson observations, pupil voice, book reviews, professional conversations to inform understanding.
• Taking the fear out of feedback and fostering a positive culture of continuous improvement.

 Continued Professional Development

• Identifying ongoing CPD opportunities linked to appraisal outcomes.
• Creating a supportive environment for professional growth.

Feedback Collection & Close

By the end of this INSET day, middle and senior leaders will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct effective appraisals, provide meaningful feedback, and drive school improvement through a rigorous yet supportive performance management system.

How to find out more about this Appraisal INSET

To register an interest or raise any questions about his course please use the enquiry form below or email us direct at enquiries@jmcinset.com