Capability action plan: template and guidance

Be confident going into your meeting with an underperforming teacher. Read our walk-through of how the meeting will run and download our template capability action plan, so you can feel prepared as you begin this informal capability process.

Last reviewed on 1 December 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 2097
Contents
  1. Give feedback and listen to the teacher's comments
  2. Set targets for improvement 
  3. Agree on the support required to meet those targets 
  4. Be clear on how you'll monitor progress
  5. Download our template action plan

Give feedback and listen to the teacher's comments

If you have concerns about a teacher's performance, you should begin informal capability procedures.

When you meet with them, begin by giving feedback about the nature and seriousness of the concerns. Then, give the teacher the opportunity to comment and discuss the concerns. 

Be sure to keep detailed notes of what you discuss in this meeting (and in any follow-up meetings). Use our template action plan (in the final section of this article) to help you keep a record. 

Read our advice on approaching difficult conversations if you need support in running this meeting. 

Set targets for improvement 

This will help you:

  • Make it clear what exactly you want the teacher to work on
  • Give you something to measure their progress against

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