Appropriate Body Reform and Induction Assessment

We asked for views on the effectiveness of appropriate bodies (ABs) in their roles and how far the formal assessment process adds value to early career teachers (ECTs), schools and the profession more broadly. We announced that we will be reforming who can operate as an AB so that Teaching School Hubs (TSHs) will become the main providers of AB services and local authorities will no longer carry out this role. Additionally, we asked for views on the timeframe and the needs of the current AB sector to enable a successful transition.

We received 332 responses from a range of different types of organisations including: local authorities, TSHs, national ABs, maintained schools, academy trusts, independent schools, British schools overseas, trade unions and Early Career Framework (ECF) lead providers. Key findings were that:

- The overall perception is that ABs are effective in a range of roles, but that there is inconsistency of approach and more to do on tackling barriers to effective checking of entitlements, particularly around mentoring.

- Wide agreement that assessment and the verifying AB role is valued and fit for purpose but that there is more we can do to minimise workload.

- A longer timeframe for removing the role from local authorities will better serve the interests of ECTs to minimise mid-induction transfers between ABs.

- Support is essential to ensure all TSHs have the capacity, expertise, and relationships in place to take on an increased AB role.

Following consideration of the responses we committed to a longer, phased transitional period towards local authorities no longer operating as ABs, up to September 2024. There will be a programme of support for TSHs working via the Teaching School Hubs Council to build capacity and expertise. We also committed to updating the guidance for ABs, informed by further stakeholder engagement, which will include advice on the depth and detail needed in progress reviews and formal assessments, as well as on entitlement checking. The Department will continue to provide updates and advice to assist all ABs, schools and ECTs to ensure a successful transition during the reforms.

You can read the Government’s response to the consultation in full on the ‘Appropriate body reform and induction assessment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)’ webpage.