Theme: Early Career Framework

Background: The Department for Education (DfE) in 2019 published its Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy and these two important documents for new entrants to the profession:

  • DfE Early Career Framework
  • DfE ITT Core Content Framework

ITT providers and placement schools must deliver provision which is underpinned by the Core Content Framework as a minimum entitlement. All schools working with ECTs must adhere to the Early Career Framework for the two-year induction period.

  • Key messages:
    Since September 2021, the term early career teacher (ECT) has replaced newly qualified teacher (NQT)
  • The standard induction period has been increased from one academic year to two academic years
  • ECTs are entitled to a 10% timetable reduction in their first year and a 5% timetable reduction in their second year of teaching
  • The role of the ECT mentor has been introduced with high expectations; mentors will need training to gain an in-depth knowledge of the ECF
  • All schools are expected to deliver a two-year induction programme that is underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF)
  • The ECF induction programme must adhere to strict criteria and many schools have opted to work with an external provider
  • The ECF is intended to ensure a two-year entitlement to professional development for ECTs as they develop their knowledge, practice and working habits

Read the full Teacher Briefing 32 – Early Career Framework – here.