Early career teacher (ECT) induction: summary

Read about your school's requirements and responsibilities for the statutory 2-year induction period for early career teachers (ECT)s.

Last reviewed on 7 July 2022
See updates
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 38997
Contents
  1. Early career induction (ECI) period is statutory 
  2. Your school can choose from 3 types of induction programme
  3. You school's induction programme will be based on the ECF
  4. ECTs will have 2 formal assessments
  5. Transition arrangements from NQTs

Early career induction (ECI) period is statutory 

Updated statutory guidance on induction for early career teachers (ECTs) came into force in September 2021. This guidance and the term 'ECT' replaces old guidance and wording on 'NQTs'.

Your school is required to deliver a 2-year induction programme, underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF) (see the section below).

To teach in maintained schools

  • All teachers must have completed or (be working towards) an ECI period

To teach in academies or independent schools

  • An ECI period is not required, but these settings may still choose to offer ECTs a statutory induction period

During an induction period, ECTs have timetable reductions from the rest of the teaching staff. These are:

Maintained and special schools are eligible for funding to cover these timetable reductions. You can find more details in the DfE's guidance on funding

Read next