Guidance for early career teachers (ECTs): ECF-based training
Information for ECTs on professional development training and support based on the early career framework (ECF). This is part of your 2-year induction.
Applies to England
Overview
As an ECT, you are entitled to a 2-year programme of training and mentor support as part of your induction.
This package of training and support is known as ‘ECF-based training’ because it is based on the early career framework (ECF).
The framework sets out what you should learn, and learn how to do, during the 2 years of your induction. It is designed to develop your teaching knowledge, skills and working habits.
ECF-based training is part of your 2-year induction
You are entitled to:
- 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
Your school may offer you extra training and support in addition to ECF-based training, but not instead of ECF-based training.
You cannot fail your ECF-based training
ECF-based training is a professional development programme. It is not an assessment tool and you cannot fail any part of it.
You should engage with your ECF-based training as fully as possible, but failing to complete it will not mean you fail your induction.
You do not need to collect evidence
Your induction tutor may ask you to provide evidence of meeting the teachers’ standards during your formal assessments. This should only consist of existing documents, such as lesson plans or feedback from observations. There’s no need for you to create anything new for a formal assessment.
Following the assignments in your ECF-based training is one way to show that you meet the teachers’ standards, but you do not need to use your ECF-based training in this way.
Starting your induction mid-term
You can start your induction at any time. Your school will make sure your ECF-based training fits your circumstances.
Working part-time or serving a reduced induction period
If you work part-time, your headteacher will work with your induction tutor, appropriate body and training provider to arrange ECF-based training and mentor support around your needs and schedule.
If you’re serving a reduced induction period, your ECF-based training programme can be adapted to suit your circumstances. You do not need to cover the full depth of the ECF.
If you have difficulties or concerns
Your induction tutor is the person responsible for ECT induction at your school. Speak to them first if:
- you’re struggling to engage with your training
- you have any concerns about your induction or statutory entitlements (time off timetable or mentor support)
If they cannot help you, speak to your appropriate body. They’re responsible for making sure ECTs receive their statutory entitlements and are fairly and consistently assessed. Your school should provide you with contact details for the right person to speak to.
Updates to this page
Last updated 8 September 2022 + show all updates
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The section ‘If you’re asked to register on DfE’s service’ has been removed, as ECTs will no longer be asked to do this.
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Section ‘If you’re asked to register on DfE’s service’ updated, to explain what ECTs need to do if they receive an email from DfE asking them to register on the service.
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First published.