The Early Career Framework (ECF)
The Early Career Framework (ECF) is a framework for the professional development of early career teachers. ECF-based training is part of an Early Career Teacher's 2-year induction.
This entitles early career teachers to two years of support, including:
- a 2-year programme of ECF-based training
- support from a dedicated mentor
- time off timetable for induction activities, including ECF-based training and mentor sessions
- regular progress reviews and 2 formal assessments against the teachers' standards
Schools receive:
- Funding to cover mentors’ time with the mentee in the second year of teaching
- Further funding for schools opting for the Full Induction Programme (FIP) to backfill for mentors to take part in training (36 hours over 2 years)
Schools have three choices in terms of how they provide an ECF-based induction:
DfE Provider led route
Schools are encouraged by the Department for Education to choose a provider-led programme approach to induction. This is a free-to-use programme that offers high-quality training for early career teachers and their mentors delivered by an external provider that compliments the self-study and mentor sessions. This is the easiest option for schools and schools benefit from the highest level of financial investment from the DfE.
Where schools opt for a provider-led programme, the Appropriate Body does not need to carry out ECF fidelity checks. This is because the providers will already be subject to separate quality assurance through Ofsted and contract management. The cost of Appropriate Body services for schools using the provider led route will therefore be lower than for schools using other options.
To register ECTs on the joint Gloucestershire Odyssey and Balcarras ECF Development Programme in partnership with UCL, please click here for the ECF Registration Form or email admin@odysseytsh.org and we will get in touch to provide you with further information.
Use DfE accredited materials to deliver your own Induction Programme
Schools opting to use DfE accredited materials to deliver their own induction are able to draw upon the ECF materials developed by lead providers (national organisations commissioned by DfE to create the materials) but they then need to self-fund, design and deliver the early-career teacher and mentor training themselves.
Where schools deliver induction through a CIP, additional quality assurance will be necessary by the Appropriate Body in order to safeguard ECTs’ entitlement to an ECF-based induction. Costs for this service will therefore be greater.
Design your own School Based ECF Induction Programme
Schools choosing to use a school-based programme of induction will receive no support from the DfE in creating or procuring their own programme, subject or phase-specific coaching, and training for mentors in line with the Statutory Guidance.
Schools delivering their own induction programmes will require the Appropriate Body to check these have been designed and delivered with fidelity to the ECF. There are likely to be significant additional costs associated with these fidelity checks.
For DfE guidance about the ECT Professional Development Framework, please click here:
DfE Professional Development guidance for Early Career Teachers