What action, if any, can be taken against NQTs who have gained employment and subsequently found to have broken the four-term rule?
A – The four-term rule, limiting the amount of supply work a teacher may undertake before needing to complete induction to work in the maintained sector without restriction, is laid out in regulations and is therefore law. Schools and other employers should check an NQT’s supply history before offering an appointment, and supply agencies will need to undertake the checks before they assign supply staff to schools. The DCSF is planning to increase employers’ and supply agencies’ awareness of their responsibilities as part of their future communications policy. Where an individual is aware that they have exhausted the limits but does not disclose this upon appointment, and this subsequently comes to light, the school may decide to take action but this would be for the school to judge. Similarly, it is for LAs to decide how to treat cases where an NQT has, for whatever reason, undertaken supply work beyond their limit. Under current regulations LAs may use their discretion to allow a peri
