Post threshold and performance management (PM)

Crossing the Threshold gives access to the pay scale for post-threshold teachers (this is often called the upper pay scale).

From 1 September 2009 (round 10) teachers who intend to apply for threshold will be assessed against the post threshold standards based solely on the outcomes of their last two performance reviews which must demonstrate evidence of having met all 10 of the post threshold standards.

As such teachers paid on scales M4, M5 and M6 need to take into consideration the collection of relevant evidence, if they wish to be considered (within a two year period) for post threshold assessment.

Teachers wishing to work towards/be considered for post threshold assessment need to consider the following:

read the threshold guidance (as there have been no changes to the process since 2009/10 this guidance is applicable) to understand how evidence from PM will be used in the threshold process
ensure that through dialogue with the PM reviewer in the planning meeting, an appropriate planning statement is prepared i.e. a statement that will generate the necessary evidence to enable a headteacher to make a fair assessment against the post threshold standards at the point that the teacher may request such assessment
those wishing to be assessed against the post threshold standards must meet all of the core (C) teaching standards before they can be assessed against the post threshold (P) standards
for those going through post threshold (M6 to UPS1) the headteacher will make an overall judgement about whether the post-threshold standards have been met/not met and will provide feedback

In Ealing we strong recommend that teachers complete a letter of application (word) to indicate formally their wish to be assessed/work towards assessment. This should be given to their headteacher and reviewer at least two weeks prior to their performance management review meeting.

Those wishing to be assessed against the post threshold standards must meet all of the core (C) teaching standards before they can be assessed against the post threshold (P) standards.

To support this process we are also recommending that all reviewees/ teachers complete an audit (word) based on the revised standards prior to the performance review/planning meeting in order to identify strengths and areas for development against the core (C), post threshold (P) and the chartered London teacher standards

The audit tool can be used each year (adding to it year on year) in order to show a clear ongoing record of professional strengths and areas for improvement/ development. Any gaps or areas of insufficient evidence should form part of the performance objectives and criteria and inform CPD needs.

Post threshold progression and PM

Post threshold progression must also be based on two successful consecutive performance reviews. Teachers being considered for upper pay scale progression (UPS2 and UPS3) must also continue to meet the core standards. The performance reviewer will make a judgement about whether a teacher has continued to meet the post threshold standards in a substantial and sustained way - see School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document 2011 (DfE website) - or not based on the evidence and make a recommendation to the appropriate body (usually the governing body).

Threshold assessment in round 12 (2011/12)

There is no national deadline for submitting Threshold assessment requests, however in order to be eligible for round 12:

teachers who are covered by the 2006 Performance Management Regulations must submit their requests between 1 September 2011 and 31 October 2012
teachers employed in England who are not subject to the 2006 Performance Management Regulations must submit their requests between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012

There have not been any changes to the Threshold process for Round 12, so the Round 10 Threshold Guidance (DfE website) will continue to be applicable in Round 12, as it has been for Round 11. Model request-for-assessment forms, suitable for use in round 12 (2011/12), are also available, which the DfE recommended schools use. Teachers who choose not to do so, should still provide all the information requested in the teacher's section of the form. Ealing has developed a range of materials to support this process.

Ealing materials

Ealing materials to support PM including post threshold