Frequently Asked Questions
The DfE have published ECTE guidance pages on GOV.UK. Below you will find guidance for school leaders and induction tutors, mentors and early career teachers.
ECTE: set up and manage the early career teacher entitlementECTE: roles and responsibilities
ECTS: your training and support entitlement
Take a look at our frequently asked questions below. If you have any further questions, we’re happy to help - please email us at inspirationteachinghub@inspirationtrust.org or call 01603 733443.
What is the Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE)
Early career teacher entitlement (ECTE) is a 2-year programme that supports early career teachers (ECTs) when they start their teaching career. It’s designed to:
- develop their professional skills
- provide them with the knowledge and skills to meet the teachers’ standards
It includes:
- a training programme for ECTs
- mentor support for ECTs
- a training programme for new mentors (if the school uses a DfE funded lead provider)
- time off timetable for ECTs and mentors
- regular progress reviews and 2 formal assessments for ECTs against the teachers’ standards
The term ‘early career teacher entitlement (ECTE)’ replaces ‘ECF-based training and induction’ from September 2025.
What is the ITTECF
From September 2025, ECTs and Mentors will access the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF), which unifies and replaces the previous Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework (CCF) and Early Career Framework (ECF).
This consolidated framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours that trainees and ECTs should develop. It also specifies the mentoring and support ECTs are entitled to receive during the initial years of their teaching careers.
What is the ECTP
The ECTP is the early career training programme. The ECTP is a DfE-funded programe that builds on the thinking behind the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) and is designed to help early career teachers develop the skills and knowledge required to be successful in their roles.
We’re pleased to announce that we will be partnering with Ambition Institute for another year to deliver our Early Career Training programme (ECTP)
Who is eligible for the ECTP and how much does it cost
All early career teachers (ECTs) across all subjects and phases at eligible schools and establishments can register on our full funded early career training programme.
Find out more about eligibility and how the funding works here
What are the different terms used
| Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) |
The Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) covers the training and induction periods at the start of a teacher’s career. It combines and replaces the previously separate Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Core Content Framework (CCF) and Early Career Framework (ECF) following a review
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|---|---|
| Induction TUTOR |
A member of the school’s senior or middle leadership team. Their role is to lead the programme in school and be the main point of contact for teachers and mentors. They will ensure teacher time and mentor time is protected. |
| Mentor |
An experienced classroom teacher with the capacity for mentoring. They will directly support the teacher in their development. They will engage with the programme by carrying out weekly observation and instructional coaching sessions with teachers and also attend conferences, clinics and coaching on coaching to develop instructional coaching practice. |
| Early Career Teacher (ECT) |
A practising classroom teacher in their first two years of teaching. They are the main audience for the early career training programme. They will learn and practice aspects of the framework throughout the programme. They will engage in weekly self-study and attend clinics and conferences. |
| Appropriate Body (AB) |
Appropriate Bodies (ABs) quality assure the statutory induction of Early Career Teachers (ECTs), ensuring that schools provide the necessary support for their ECTs; that their assessment is fair and consistent; and that they are receiving a programme of support and training based on the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF).
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| Provider led training programme |
One of two approaches schools can choose from to enable the delivery of an ECTE training programme. A 'provider-led' training programme is delivered by an approved training provider. Regardless of the option your school takes, the training must be based on the initial teaching training and early career framework (ITTECF). If your school has chosen provider-led training, new mentors will receive mentor training to help them in their role as a mentor. |
| School-led training programme |
One of two approaches schools can choose from to enable the delivery of an ECTE training programme. A 'school-led' training programme is developed and delivered by your own school. Regardless of the option your school takes, the training must be based on the initial teaching training and early career framework (ITTECF). |
| Lead Provider |
A provider who has been contracted by the DfE to deliver the ECTP. There are six Lead Providers in total who will work with Delivery Partners to deliver the programme on a national scale. Lead providers will be inspected by Ofsted so schools can be assured that this training will remain high-quality.
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| Delivery Partner |
Delivery partners work with lead providers to deliver their ECTP to schools in their area.
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| ECTP Lead |
The lead facilitator is responsible for the delivery and quality of the early career training programme.
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How do I register for the programme
Induction tutors or headteachers overseeing ECT induction can register their school with us here. Induction tutors will also need to register their ECTs and mentors with:
- An Appropriate Body (AB) The DfE via their 'manage training for early career teachers' service.
Do I have to register with an appropriate body
Yes, all early career teachers must be registered with an appropriate body (AB) before they can begin induction. Registering for AB services is separate to registering for our ECT training programme.
The DfE has recently announced reform to the AB sector. From September 2023, Local Authorities will no longer be able to take on new ECTs.
- From September 2023, all new ECTs will need to be registered with their local Teaching School Hub for AB services
For more information on the role of appropriate bodies please see here.
Who will be completing the induction sign off
The Appropriate Body makes the final decision as to whether an Early Career Teacher has performed satisfactorily towards the Teachers’ standards.
Is the ITTECF used to assess the ECT progress during their 2-year induction?
No. The ECT is assessed at the midway and end point of the induction period against the Teachers’ Standards. The ITTECT is not an assessment framework. It is an evidence based professional development curriculum which is carefully sequenced to help ECT understand what they should know and be able to do. It is designed to support their progress against the Teachers’ Standards.