What is the PET programme? 

The Primary Expert Teacher Programme was established to support all our schools in developing and sharing best practice. The intention is that we harness the expertise within Merton to provide in-school support, with experienced teachers working alongside your staff in developing their planning, as well as extending and enriching teaching and learning opportunities. 

Details about the programme and how it works can be found in the Guidance Notes, available for download below.  

Who are the PETs?

Each of our PETs has been through an assessment process and is able to offer a range of different skills to support the development of teaching across EYFS and/ or the Primary age range. Our PETs have a proven record of delivering high quality support.   

Should you have an outstanding colleague who you would like to nominate to join our team, please complete the 'Primary Expert Teacher Nomination form' and send it to Sigi Leigh (sigi.leigh@merton.gov.uk). Further information about the nomination process is available in the Guidance notes. 

Should you wish to make use of PET support in your school, please refer to the PET register to determine which member of the team is best suited to your needs. If your school has a particular theme you are working on and you can not immediately find one of our Primary Expert Teachers who covers that area, please call us using the contact details below. 

How do I book a PET? 

  • Use the PET register to identify the PET you wish to employ. 
  • Download and complete 'Request for PET support' form from the folder below. 
  • Send this to the headteacher of the school where the Primary Expert teacher works and a copy to Sigi Leigh (sigi.leigh@merton.gov.uk).

What happens next? 

Once the request has been agreed by the PET's headteacher: 

  • The PET and receiving school meet to plan the timing and content of the support. 
  • The PET and requesting headteacher/ link staff member complete a PET School Support Plan found below.  
  • When the agreed work has been completed, the PET and hosting headteacher/ link staff member meet to complete the evaluation on the support plan. They may also identify further next steps.
  • Copies of the completed support plan and evaluations are sent to PET's headteacher, host headteacher & Sigi Leigh. 

What are the costs involved? 

Primary Expert Teachers will cost host schools £300 a day. This covers approximately 4 hours contact in school and 2 hours preparation or follow up. Half days or twilight sessions may also be arranged for £150 - this will involve approximately 2 hours contact in school and an hour of preparation or follow up. 

The length of programmes of support will need to be negotiated with the headteacher in the school where the PET works, depending on need. 

Should you have any further questions, please refer to the PET Guidance Notes, or contact us using the details below. 

Contact

Sigi Leigh, School Improvement Adviser & PET co-ordinator
sigi.leigh@merton.gov.uk 
0208 545 3301

Kate Sheraton, Merton School Improvement Inspector
kate.sheraton@merton.gov.uk 
0208 545 3275