Induction for early career teachers

Changes to induction for early career teachers from September 2021

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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].