Early Career Framework

From September 2021, the government has funded an entitlement for all Early Career Teachers (ECTs) in England to access high-quality professional development at the start of their career. New teachers will now receive development, support and training over two years instead of one, underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF).

This page outlines the ECF reforms, and also provides links to government information about ECF reforms, induction and training.

Early Career Framework reforms

From September 2021, statutory induction arrangements changed to the following:

Length of support

Two years

Timetable reduction

10% reduced timetable in year one
5% reduced timetable in year two

Content

Schools are expected to deliver an induction period that is underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF)

Roles of the Mentor and Induction Tutor

Mentor - key role in supporting the ECT during induction
Induction Tutor - regularly reviews progress, sets targets and completes assessments

For more details on these roles see ECT recruitment and support.

Assessment

Assessed against the Teachers' Standards
Regular progress reviews (terms 1, 2, 4, and 5)
Two formal assessments - one midway through induction, and one at the end of induction

Funding

Additional funding to deliver ECF training from the DfE

Role of the Appropriate Body (AB)

Checking new teachers receive statutory entitlement and are fairly and consistently assessed
Checking ECTs receive a programme of support and training based on the ECF
To provide advice, support and guidance

GOV.UK information

Before recruiting an ECT, schools should:

Read the updated statutory induction guidance (opens new window)
Learn more about the three delivery approaches available to meet statutory requirements (see sections 2.39 and 2.40 under "Early Career Framework based training" on page 19 in the statutory induction guidance above)

See also the GOV.UK's information on induction, training and support for early career teachers (ECTs) (opens new window).

Early Career Framework