Early Career Teacher (ECT)

Following the award of your QTS, you will also need to complete the Early Career Teacher Induction when you get your first job.

Statutory induction is the bridge between initial teacher training and the start of your career in teaching. It combines a structured programme of development, support and professional dialogue, underpinned by the Early Career Framework, with monitoring and an assessment of performance against the Teachers’ Standards.

The induction period lasts for two academic years, based on full-time hours. It can be be undertaken on a part-time basis, but it will take longer to complete, based on the number of hours you work each week.

It must be completed successfully, by law, to continue teaching in maintained schools, non-maintained special schools, maintained nursery schools and pupil referral units in England.

There will be two formal assessment points during your induction period: one at the end of the final term in year one, and one at the end of the induction period (end of year two). These will be supported by regular progress reviews/assessments to monitor your progress, which will take place at the end of each long term. At the end of your induction period, the Head Teacher will recommend to the appropriate body as to whether your performance against the Teachers’ Standards is satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or whether or not an extension should be considered.

When applying for your first teaching post it is important to discuss how your school organises and leads on their Early Career Teacher programme. The programme should offer you a reduced timetable to allow for planning, preparation and assessment time (PPA) that all teachers receive.  In addition, this time off timetable should be used to specifically enable ECTs to undertake activities in their induction programme.

ECTS are encouraged to start their induction period as soon as possible after gaining their QTS.