Early Career Framework
In partnership with Teach First
About the Early Career Framework
The Early Career Framework (ECF) reforms entitle all teachers in their first two years to a DfE fully-funded, two-year package of structured training and support linked to the best available research evidence. This became statutory from September 2021.
Our ECF programme is offered in Partnership with Teach First and offers access to:
High-quality development materials that impart the essential knowledge needed to start a successful and fulfilling career
A mentor programme based on a framework of effective and high-quality practice
Flexible online and face-to-face training modules
Expert resources including online learning platform to build ECT knowledge
All ECTs must be registered on an ECF training programme
To register with the Teach First ECF programme delivered in partnership with NELT Teaching School Hub, please take the following steps.
1. Register on the DfE portal, linked here.
2. Complete our form, linked here.
Successful completion of the above steps will be confirmed via email.
Get in touch about ECF
New teachers will receive development support and training over two years instead of one, with additional funding available to support their time out of the classroom in the second year and a dedicated mentor.
Support will be available to mentors, and funding will be provided to support mentor’s time with the mentee in the second year of teaching.
If you'd like to talk to us about your potential needs for 2023/24, or if you have any general questions about the ECF, then please do get in touch.
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Mentor benefits
Considering mentoring ECTs? Mentoring can be very rewarding, and the ECF programme gives you the structure and training required to develop your skills while making a difference to those you work with.
Mentors will get face-to-face and online training to develop skills in:​
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providing effective feedback
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using deliberate practice to accelerate progress
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how to provide further challenge to high performing ECTs
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how to support ECT well-being and develop dimensions of resilience
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Mentors will also have the opportunity to learn from experts. Through half-termly webinars they’ll discover the best ways to reflect on their practice and develop their instructional coaching skills. 
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Programme structure: Year 1
Programme structure for ECTs:
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Six hour induction
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​Weekly mentoring sessions
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Four hours of self directed study per half term per half term
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Two 90 minute seminars per half term
Programme structure for mentors:
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Six hour induction
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Weekly mentoring sessions
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Thirty minutes of self directed study per half term
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One 60 minute seminar per half term
Programme structure: Year 2
Programme structure for ECTs:
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Six hour induction
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​Fortnightly mentoring sessions
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Forty five minutes of self directed study per half term
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One 90 minute seminar per half term
Programme structure for mentors:
​
-
Six hour induction
-
Fortnightly mentoring sessions
-
Thirty minutes of self directed study per half term
-
One 60 minute seminar per term