At JWP on Monday 12 May 2008 PRSD the issue of progression when an individual has been off on ill health or maternity leave was raised. It was confirmed that on those occasions where a teacher has been off for part of the year the targets should be reduced to a level which would enable the individual to complete the work in the time available. For example if a teacher will only be in work for 1/3 of the year (s)he could be allocated 1 target instead of 3.
Where a teacher has been off for a full year on maternity or on ill health assessment for UPS progression should be made on the evidence of 1 years PRSD.
However, if a teacher refuses to participate in PRSD they can not expect to progress and are leaving themselves open to disciplinary action. Participation in PRSD is a statutory requirement.
Bearing in mind that the proposals outlined above have been agreed between management and the unions, NAHT would argue that it should be perceived as reasonable that progression for school leaders should be managed in the same way as progression for classroom teachers. Members who are off on Maternity leave or long term sick should ensure that any targets which are set can be achievable in the time available and are achievable.
NAHT(NI) will also be seeking assurances from the Department that where a school leader is off for a full year as a consequence of ill health or maternity they will, like their teacher colleagues, not be disadvantaged.
