Appropriate Body
The role of the Appropriate Body (AB)
Appropriate Body (AB) services 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 Early Career Framework (ECF).
In order to start their induction period, an ECT needs to be registered with an Appropriate Body. Retrospective registrations are not possible and there must be at least one term's notice to ensure ECTs are eligible for induction. In accordance with the statutory guidance, the post must be suitable for an ECT. Please contact us for more advice or if you have any questions on ECT registration or post suitability.
Appropriate Body reform: What is changing?
From 2024, TSHs will become the main provider of AB services (except for specialist ABs for some independent and overseas schools). Local Authorities (LAs) will withdraw from their AB role.
● From September 2023 they will not take on any additional ECTs.
● From September 2023 Suffolk LA will cease operating as an AB.
● From September 2024 Norfolk LA will cease operating as an AB.
Schools need to work out:
● Whether they can/would prefer to keep ECTs starting induction in 2022/23 with their current AB until September 2024;
● Or they could move all existing ECTs to the new AB at the same time.
You can learn more about what these changes mean for your school by reading our AB reform resources:
Key information for Norfolk schools
Key information for Suffolk schools
Frequently asked questionsReform overview and rationale
You can express your interest in using us as your Appropriate Body from September 2023 on our registration page: