5.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (3) to (5), the appraisal period in relation to a teacher employed at a school is such period of twelve months as the governing body determines in respect of that teacher.
(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) to (6) the appraisal period in relation to an unattached teacher is such period of twelve months as the local authority determines in respect of that teacher.
(3) Where a teacher is employed on a fixed term contract of less than twelve months the appraisal period is the period of employment to which the contract relates.
(4) Where a teacher begins employment with a relevant body, the relevant body may determine that the initial appraisal period in respect of that teacher is a period shorter or longer than twelve months, and in this paragraph “relevant body” means—
(a)in relation to a teacher employed at a school, the governing body of that school, and
(b)in relation to an unattached teacher, the local authority by which the unattached teacher is employed.
(5) Where a teacher ceases employment other than at the end of the appraisal period applying in relation to that teacher the appraisal period ends with the last day of such employment.
(6) Where an unattached teacher transfers from one post in the local authority by which the teacher is employed to another such post other than at the end of the appraisal period applying in relation to that teacher the local authority may determine that the appraisal period in progress at the time of the transfer is to be shorter or longer than twelve months.