Early Career Framework Overview

dThe Early Career Framework is a 2-year government funded programme, offering a framework and resources to better support to teachers new to the profession and their mentors. The programme is a key element of the DfE's commitment to increase teacher retention, and NETSP has been delivering it in the region in partnership with UCL since 2021. 

Structure:

The ECF covers the 8 teaching standards through 9 modules over 2 years: 

  • Year 1:
    • Enabling pupil learning: Standard 1 (High expectations) and Standard 7 (Managing behaviour)
    • Engaging pupils in learning: Standard 2 (How pupils learn) and Standard 3 (Subject and curriculum)
    • Developing quality pedagogy: Standard 4 (Classroom practice) and Standard 5 (Adaptive teaching)
    • Making productive use of assessment: Standard 6 (Assessment)
    • Fulfilling professional responsibilities (I): Standard 8 (Professional behaviours)
  • Year 2
    • Inquiry into enabling pupil learning
    • Inquiry into engaging pupils in learning
    • Inquiry into developing quality pedagogy and making productive use of assessment
    • Fulfilling professional responsibilities (II)

Our programme covers the full framework in Year 1, and in Year 2 uses Practitioner Inquiry to focus on areas for development as chosen by each ECT. This allows for greater independence, as well as embedding inquiry as a reflective practice for all teachers and mentors following the programmeSee ourECF Module Outline for more details.

The DfE have committed to: 

  • Funding and guaranteeing10% off-timetable in year one and 5% off-timetable in the second year of teaching for all Early Career Teachers. 
  • Additional funding to cover mentors' professional development for schools who sign up with a Lead Provider (NETSP is working with UCL Institute of Education as lead provider) 
  • Funding time for mentors to support early career teachers

For more detailed information, please see DfE Guidance.