Induction for early career teachers is changing from September 2021, and the Department for Education has published new guidance for appropriate bodies, headteachers, school staff and governing bodies. This guidance will come into effect from 1 September 2021 and the main changes are listed below. Thank you to Brighton and Hove AB for summarising the changes.

• The term newly qualified teacher (NQT) will be replaced with early career teacher (ECT).
• Induction will be for two years rather than one (full-time equivalent).
• ECTs will receive 5% CPD time in their second year – and retain the 10% entitlement in the first year.
• ECTs will carry out a programme of support and training over the two years, based on the new Early Career Framework (ECF).
• The role of mentor is being introduced. The mentor will meet with the ECT regularly to provide targeted feedback and ensure they are receiving a high quality ECF-based programme in their CPD time.
• The role therefore of the person responsible for overseeing induction is changing. This person (to be called the induction tutor) will be providing monitoring & support, and assessing the ECT against the Teachers’ Standards; just as they do now.
• There will be two formal induction assessment points, one at the end of each year.
• There will be likely be short progress reviews at the end of terms 1, 2, 4 and 5, with outcomes reported to the appropriate body.
• For NQTs who have already started induction and will be continuing after September 2021, they have until September 2023 to complete induction using the current three-term model – however, schools are encouraged to provide an ECF-based induction and a mentor after September 2021.
• After the transition period ends in September 2023, these ECTs will have to convert to a two-year induction for the remainder of their induction period.
• ECTs will still need to be registered with an ‘appropriate body’ for induction and going forward this can be a local authority or a teaching school hub.
• Appropriate Body services can be arranged as a separate provision to your ECTs (from a LA or teaching school hub) or as part of a package for delivering the ECF.

The DfE’s updated early career framework guidance explains the different options for accessing the ECF, and the funding available.

If you have any questions please contact [email protected].

After the success of Teach Portsmouth’s first two webinars, the series returns with career progression in teaching on Wednesday 26 May from 4pm to 5pm. The webinar series aims to inspire those interested in teaching to learn more about what opportunities are available in the city.

In this webinar, attendees will find out about the differences between pastoral and senior positions as well as continuing professional development in teaching. Two Portsmouth-based teachers will give top tips on how to progress in the profession by sharing details of their own experiences. Debbie Anderson, head of school improvement at Portsmouth City Council and webinar host said:

“After working in Portsmouth as a head teacher for many years, I know first-hand the opportunities on offer for those wanting to move up or change career to teaching.

The profession provides a range of different routes for progression and promotion, whether that’s middle and senior leadership (pastoral, curriculum or teaching and learning), developing others for example through training, or school to school support, there is something for everyone.”

Lloyd O’Neil, head of science at Admiral Lord Nelson School and webinar contributor, reflected on his progression journey so far:

“I began my journey coaching sports in Portchester. I soon realised that teaching was for me – so I was keen to take this ambition further. After joining Admiral Lord Nelson School as second in science, an opportunity came up to become head of department. Teaching is a rewarding career as you see young people flourish in a subject I’m passionate about.”

Those who join the webinar will be able to learn more about each teacher, offering an insight into their unique experiences as well as their routes into teaching.

For those who want more information, attendees can submit questions as part of a live Q&A. Our second contributor, Jemma Clark who is a head teacher at Solent Infant School spoke about the uniqueness of career progression and what people can look forward to:

“Career progression is highly personal and unique for each individual. I trained at the University of Chichester and completed a post graduate certificate in education. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing many roles including being a subject specialist to my current role as head teacher. The opportunities are there and available if you wish to take them. Some may want to stay in a teaching role while others will want to progress to senior management.”

Teach Portsmouth is part of Portsmouth Education Partnership. We would like to welcome colleagues from across the city to join the webinar to learn more about the opportunities on offer. If you’ve been considering stepping up or know someone who might want to teach in your school/college, please share the details of the webinar with them.

If you have any questions about the webinar, please email [email protected].

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