Finding support
A vital element of your probationary period is the availability of quality support. Talking with others is a necessary part of working in an effective manner: you may want to discuss your professional development or teaching service, bounce ideas around or deal with more serious concerns. As the Flexible Route may see you undertaking teaching service through various supply days and short term temporary placements, you will need to consider how you find support in different situations. Remember to make sure that your headteacher knows that you have a probationary period to complete. They may be able to make arrangements to have relevant support put in place for you.
Recommended support network
For all probationers, but particularly those on short term temporary placements, it is advised that you try to work with the recommended network of support, namely:
Developing your personal support network
If you undertake a number of individual supply days at different schools then you may find it difficult to receive the dedicated help of an in-school supporter.
Remember to make sure that your headteacher knows that you have a probationary period to complete and that you are not on the Teacher Induction Scheme.
However you will still need to develop your own support network and, as a probationer, you are expected to develop the qualities and capabilities detailed in The Standard for Full Registration.
Support from your school
During your probation period you may find yourself accumulating a number of supply days and short term teaching posts with different schools. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the school and staff, even it you are only on a short-term contract, as you can gain valuable experience and support from your school.
Support from your colleagues
Your primary level of support in the school will be through discussion with other probationers and colleagues.
A "buddy" system can be very effective; you discuss issues, receive feedback and share ideas with a colleague from your department or stage of teaching. This can be arranged on an informal basis or in discussion with members of the senior management team.
Support from your in-school supporter
You may be fortunate enough to have a supporter who will act as your primary support within the school.
Supporters help you decide on your initial CPD experiences and provide you with regular support and feedback. This can be arranged on an informal basis or in discussion with members of the senior management team.
Support from your headteacher
Your headteacher is the lead manager is your school and should be approached with any problems or issues your encounter.
They work in conjunction with your local authority and any supporter to ensure that arrangements are in place for accommodating you in school.
However, you should remember that your headteacher may not be familiar with your particular circumstances and your teaching history. You should make sure that he/she knows that you have a probationary period to complete, but that you are not on the Teacher Induction Scheme.
If you do not receive assistance from a dedicated in-school supporter then your headteacher may be able to offer vital advice on the level of support available in your department/ school.
Your headteacher or head of department should also be able to arrange to have your teaching observed.
Support from your local authority probation manager
Your local authority probation manager works on behalf of your employer (the local authority) and is in close contact with your headteacher, your in-school supporter (if you have one) and the GTC Scotland.
As a flexible route probationer, contact with probation managers may not be possible with each placement in your teaching service. However, as their role is to oversee and support probationers in their local authority, it is worth establishing contact wherever possible.
If you experience difficulties finding support in your school or getting your teaching observed then you should contact your local authority manager who may be able to assist you.
There may be a series of local authority sessions, enabling face-to-face contact with other probationers in your area. Meeting them may help you share ideas and experiences as you progress through your service. You may be able to attend some of these, particularly if they are run as after school sessions.
Contacting your local authority manager
You can find contact details of all local authority managers on the Local authority probation managers page.
Support from the GTC Scotland
We are the independent regulatory body whose role is to ensure that Scotland's high standards of education are maintained and developed.
We have a responsibility for managing the probation service and ultimately deciding whether or not a probationer teacher is awarded full registration.
We support all probationers by:
- collaborating with local authorities to ensure a consistent experience for all probationers in Scotland
- constantly reviewing the probation process to ensure the needs of all involved are being met
- guidance through this website
We are also responsible for:
- the Council's rules of provisional registration
- control of the process of converting provisional registration into full registration
Contacting us
If you have any questions or concerns about your probationary service please contact the Professional Learning and Development Department.
The recommended probation process should be followed to ensure you get the best advice and guidance at all times.
Probationer discussion forums
Remember that you can also find support online through the probationers' discussion forums, where you can share resources, ask questions and take part in debate.
