ABSTRACT
In this chapter the author examines how she was able to use a voluntary appraisal process to help to facilitate the amalgamation of three schools by linking a staff development programme to the needs identified by the process. The amalgamation of three schools would not normally be considered a propitious occasion for the introduction of staff appraisal: nevertheless, amalgamation, like drowning, concentrates the mind exceedingly and in this case focused it positively on the morale and well-being of staff. Eight months before the new school opened its doors, a programme of individual discussion was begun. Every member of staff with a role to play at Ashlawn School was invited for a personal discussion with the designated professional tutor. A series of questionnaires was devised, relating to classroom evaluation, and offered to a number of 'volunteers' who completed the forms on their own behalf, as a self-evaluation document.
