Headteachers will be given the power to sack underperforming teachers in a term rather than a year, in a new reform announced today by the Government.

The Government believes that the change, to be introduced in September this year, will create a "simpler and faster system to deal with teachers who are struggling", The Telegraph reports. The new regulations are designed to reduce the amount of red tape surrounding teacher performance including allowing poorly performing teachers to be removed in about a term; lifting the three hour limit on teacher observations and scrapping more than 50 pages of "unnecessary" guidance currently regulating capability procedures.

"You wouldn't tolerate an underperforming surgeon in an operating theatre, or a underperforming midwife at your child's birth. Why is it that we tolerate underperforming teachers in the classroom? Teachers themselves know if there's a colleague who can't keep control or keep the interest of their class, it affects the whole school," the Education Secretary Michael Gove told the Daily Mail.

"Children themselves know they are being cheated. Ultimately we owe it to our children. They are in school for 190 days a year. Every moment they spend learning is precious. If a year goes by and they are not being stretched and excited, that blights their life. We have got to think of what's in the children's interests first."

Under current legislation, all state schools in England are expected to draw up "capability procedures" outlining how they deal with staff performance. In the past, some heads have complained that the current guidelines are far too bureaucratic, because it can often take up to 18 months to get rid of poor teachers.

Many of the teaching unions have spoken out against the plans.

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said: "The changes to the appraisal and capability policies will rightly be seen by teachers as an attack on their professionalism and will anger and depress them in equal measure. What the Government proposes is potentially a bully's charter."

General Secretary of the NASUWT, Chris Keates, said the announcement was ''hugely demoralising'' for teachers.

Dr Mary Bousted, General Secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) commented: "We do not need to make it easier to sack 'bad' teachers. Those teachers who discover this isn't the job for them leave the classroom long before it gets to this stage. What we do need if we are to raise performance, rather than grab headlines, is to improve CPD and methods of supporting teachers."

Julian Stanley, Group Chief Executive of Teacher Support Network stated: "We are concerned about the impact of labelling teachers as underperforming too quickly."

"Of course, underperformance must be addressed in schools, but Teacher Support Network has found that some of the teachers who have been labelled as 'bad' are simply lacking skills and experience. With advice from one of our trained coaches, these teachers have often been able to identify how they can take a pro-active role in improving their skills and gaining the confidence to seek support. Many can go on to have very successful, rewarding careers in education."

"The cause of underperformance may not be as clearly definable as some might think. We know, as the only charity providing practical and emotional support to teachers and staff working in FE and HE, and from the nearly 2,500 calls and emails that Teacher Support Network received last year on this issue alone that some teachers are concerned about a lack of support and mentoring. Others are struggling to thrive in the climate of fear or bullying that can occur when a manager or headteacher takes charge, who has not been sufficiently trained or developed themselves."

"Teaching is a rewarding, yet uniquely challenging profession, and, as in any profession, there will be teachers that will find these unique demands too hard to deal with over the length of their career and will need help to address performance issues or indeed support to change their careers with dignity, rather than a label."

"Moreover, with reports that two in five teachers leaving the profession within five years of training, and an education system faced with cuts, pensions disputes and structural changes and with the public's perception of the teaching profession at a low, the real cause for concern is how we will attract, recruit and retain the next generations of teachers to the profession."

If you are concerned about your performance in the classroom, or are feeling stressed or anxious at the thought of an inspection. Call our free, Support Line on 08000 562 561.

Alternatively, try these links:

• Inspection concerns
• Stress
• Behaviour
• Tools for effective classroom management

Read Julian Stanley's comments in The Mirror by clicking here.

Julian also appeared on BBC Radio Lancashire on the 13 January. To hear his interview, click here. To listen to Julian on BBC Hereford and Worcester click here, or find his interview on BBC Radio Leeds here.