Early career teacher (ECT) induction: summary

Last reviewed on 20 July 2021
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 38997

From 1 September 2021, newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction will be replaced by a 2-year early career teacher (ECT) induction, underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF). Here are the key points you need to know.

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Contents

  1. What's happening?
  2. Key changes from 1 September 2021
  3. Transition arrangements
  4. Your school's induction programme should be based on the Early Career Framework (ECF)
  5. ECTs should have both an induction tutor and an induction mentor
  6. ECTs will have 2 formal assessments
  7. What is the Early Career Framework?

What's happening?

The DfE has published new statutory guidance on induction for early career teachers (ECTs). ECT is a new term that will replace 'newly qualified teacher' (NQT).

The guidance applies to schools which:

  • Are required to offer statutory induction to their ECTs (including maintained schools), or
  • Choose to offer statutory induction to their ECTs (this can include academies and independent schools)

It comes into force on 1 September, updating and replacing the existing guidance on NQT induction. While many of the statutory components remain the same – including the board's role and responsibilities for monitoring and supporting new teacher training – there are some important changes you should be aware of. We've summarised those here.

Schools will need to deliver a 2-year induction programme, underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF) A new role – induction mentor – has been created, fulfilling a separate and distinct role to the induction tutor ECTs will be formally assessed twice – once midway through the 2-year

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