Beginning teachers should be observed in every lesson they teach.
Feedback from these lessons is key to their success.
Each observed lesson should have a clear observation focus based on the beginning teacher’s fortnightly targets.
At least once each week, lesson observation feedback should be given using the formal lesson observation form. Available to download below.
Informal lesson observation notes can be kept in a format most helpful to the beginning teacher – this is often in a reflective notebook.
Lesson observations, both formal and informal can be completed by the curriculum mentor or other colleagues within your department.
Where non-mentoring staff are observing, please ensure that they have been provided with the “Guide for non-mentor observers”. Available to download below.
Our philosophy for observing lessons
Lesson planning and delivery should follow the following cycle: Design – try – evaluate – learn – adapt – repeat
The main purpose of lesson observation and feedback is to support the beginning teacher in improving the quality of their teaching and in so doing support pupils to make appropriate levels of progress.
Lesson observations also provide evidence for assessing progress and setting fortnightly targets.
Ensuring that observations have a specific focus is fundamental in ensuring quality of feedback and incremental progress and encourage reflective practice
With a very able mentee, the role of a mentor eventually becomes more like that of a coach, asking key questions for the trainee to consider.
For more guidance see our mentor training and development pages.
Useful resources
Guide for non-mentor observers
Lesson observation form 2024-25
Video guide to lesson observation form
Please note: This guide was produced for our 24-25 lesson observation form. The 2025-26 form is identical other than the date therefore the guidance remains unchanged.