The Early Career Framework (ECF) reforms were launched by the Department for Education (DfE) in September 2021. It underpins an entitlement to a package of structured training and support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) during the first two years of their career and sets out what all ECTs should learn about and how to do it. ECTs are exposed to a comprehensive programme that blends face to face and online training that includes conferences, support clinics and training for mentors.

Fundamentally, the programme is designed to support ECTs to improve their practice in small, granular steps under the supervision of an experienced mentor to support and guide them through their induction in school. They also receive a 10% reduction in their timetable in their first year and a 5% reduction in their second year, in addition to PPA time, to focus on this.

Stour Vale member schools use Ambition Institute as the provider for ECT training materials and we work closely with Haybridge Alliance SCITT as the designated body for the formal induction of ECTs.