Early Career Framework

Led By: Ruth Byrne (Induction Tutor)

Supported By: Ruth Kershaw (Mentor)

The Department for Education recognised that the steepest learning curve occurs in the first few years of a teacher’s career, and that in the past, too few teachers have not had access to structured support or dedicated time for evidence informed professional development. Therefore, the Early Career Framework reform will facilitate a step change in the structured support ECTs receive.

The ECF clearly sets out what new teachers are expected to ‘learn about’ and ‘learn how to do’ based on expert guidance and the best available research evidence. The ECF was designed in close partnership with the sector and aims to support ECTs to develop their teaching practice, knowledge and working habits to help them establish a successful career in teaching. The induction for early career teachers (ECTs) (previously known as newly qualified teachers - NQTs) will now last for two years.

Each ECT is entitled to a programme of support and training based on the Early Career Framework.  This includes the appointment of a suitable mentor and induction tutor at their employment school. 

This year at Beaver Road, we have three ECTs and Mrs Silva and Mrs Kershaw are their mentors. Our mentors have dedicated time each week to observe and meet with their ECTs. The induction tutor for the ECTs is Mrs Byrne. Each half term, the ECTs are observed by the induction tutor followed by a 1:1 meeting to recognise progress and agree areas for development. 

Further details about the induction of  ECTs can be found in the Induction guidance (DfE, 2021). 

Statutory guidance for NQT inductions that started before 1 September 2021 can be found here.

To ensure effective delivery of the Early Career Framework, Beaver Road has chosen to work with The Bright Futures Teaching School Hubs Trafford & Salford and Manchester & Stockport, who are currently working with over 500 ECTs and mentors on the fully-funded DfE ECF programme, in partnership with Teach First. To find out more about the Bright Futures Teaching Hub, you can follow this link https://tsh.bright-futures.co.uk/