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All schools must appoint an appropriate body to ensure that statutory entitlements for early career teachers (ECTs) are met. In addition to this, we are expected to check that ECTs are receiving a programme of effective support and evidence-informed professional development based on the Early Career Framework (ECF). 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.
Transforming support for early career teachers (ECTs) is at the heart of the DfE’s Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy (2019), which recognises that the steepest learning curve occurs in the first few years of a teacher’s career. From September 2021, induction for teachers joining the profession was extended to two years and, underpinned by the ECF, provides them with a structured programme of development, support and professional dialogue. ECTs also benefit from dedicated mentoring and a reduced timetable.
Exchange Teaching hub builds on the diligent and effective practice of our partnership from our collective work as appropriate bodies across Barnsley (Tykes Teaching Alliance), and Selby and Wakefield (Delta Academies Trust). We have drawn the very best elements from our respective practices, adapting these in line with the new statutory guidance to form our new, comprehensive handbook, available here
Fidelity and induction checks
The appropriate body is not required to undertake fidelity checks for schools using the Early Career Framework full induction programme (FIP) from a lead provider, such as UCL Institute. Schools opting for the core induction programme (CIP) or a school’s own training and support programme based on the ECF will need to have their programme verified by the appropriate body. This service costs more because of the additional fidelity checking and time involved.
How does the Early Career Framework (ECF) fit with the appropriate body?
The two elements of ECT support work together: the ECF is the mentoring, developmental element of induction, whereas the AB manages the assessment, monitoring and support element of ECT induction.