Why The Early Career Framework Really Matters For Schools and Teachers
This article was written by our partners at Best Practice Network, a leading provider of training, development and support for education professionals.
The early career framework (ECF) is set to have a huge impact on the professional development culture of schools, providing new teachers in the first stages of their career with a two-year structured professional development programme supported by a mentor
The stakes are high: if the ECF delivers what it promises then there will be a dramatic impact on the retention of recently qualified teachers who will stay in the profession for years to come.
What does the ECF do?
The government is now funding an entitlement for all NQTs (to be known from now on as ‘early career teachers’, or ECTs) in England to access high-quality professional development at the start of their career.
As long as their schools register their ECTs for the funding entitlement - and choose a provider programme, such as our Early Career Development Programme - their ECTs will receive 2 years of structured development and training, together with support from a dedicated in-school mentor. This development and training will give ECTs the skills and confidence they need to flourish in the classroom.
There are three main components to our Early Career Development programme: self-directed study, mentor meetings and training. In addition, mentors will receive their own training and support.
There are five modules in the first year: enabling pupil learning, engaging pupils in learning, developing quality pedagogy, making productive use of assessment, and fulfilling professional responsibilities. In the second year ECTs take a deeper dive into the same modules to enhance their learning and practice.
What is the offer?
Early Career Teachers will receive:
- 2 years of new, funded, high-quality training
- Freely available high-quality development materials based on the early career framework
- Additional funding for 5 per cent time away from the classroom for teachers in their second year
- A dedicated mentor and support for these mentors
- Funding to cover mentors’ time with the mentee in the second year of teaching
All programmes receive the combined ECT time-off timetable and mentoring hours which will amount to approximately £2,100-£2,600 per early career teacher, depending on school location.
Backfill mentor training payments will be made for schools participating in a provider-led programme. This funding will pay for the mentor time-off timetable for 36 hours over two years for the mentors to attend their mentor training courses.
Get registered
There are two stages to the registration process.
Firstly, register your school with Best Practice Network, stating your preferred delivery partner if you have one and an estimate of the number of ECTs and mentors you expect to support.
You will then need to register separately with the Department for Education. Following this, Best Practice Network will claim your school within the portal to complete the application process. We will then contact you to confirm teacher and mentor numbers and training dates.
The ECF has come at a time when teacher retention has been an issue for some years. This fully-funded programme provides ECTs with the close support and development they need at a crucial time in their careers. This is our best chance at boosting retention rates and ensuring that our new teacher colleagues have the best shot at building a long and successful career.
Information about the programme is now available at www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/early-career-framework
Schools can reap major rewards from hiring early career teachers with fresh perspectives. Teaching Personnel's ECT Pool is full of eager young educators ready to bring their talents to your school.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Milton Keynes
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Milton Keynes
Description
Education Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Milton Keynes and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary, with opportunities for permanent employment Working Hours: Monday to Frida
Reference
A72/Milton Keynes
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Coventry
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Coventry
Description
Education Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Coventry and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary, with potential for permanent employment Working Hours: Monday to Friday, during
Reference
A71/Coventry
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Newcastle
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Shropshire
Description
1:1 Tutor - Newcastle (NE1) Job Title: 1:1 Tutor Location: Newcastle, NE1 Job Type: Part-Time Salary: £25-£30 per hourWe are looking for a passionate and dedicated 1:1 Tutor to support children and
Reference
20/10Tutor-NE1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Manchester City Centre
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Manchester
Description
Fully Qualified Maths and English Tutor - Manchester (M43) Fully Qualified Maths and English Tutor - Manchester (M43)TP-Tutors are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Fully Qualified Math
Reference
20/10-FQT-M43
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Brackley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Education Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Brackley and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary, with potential for permanent employment Working Hours: Monday to Friday, during
Reference
A70/Brackley
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
East Yorkshire
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
West Yorkshire
Description
1:1 SEN Tutor - York (YO26) Job Title: 1:1 SEN Tutor Location: York, YO26 Job Type: Part-Time Salary: £25-£30 per hourWe are seeking a dedicated and compassionate 1:1 SEN Tutor to support children
Reference
20/10SEN-YO26
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Daventry
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Education Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Daventry and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary, with potential for permanent employment Working Hours: Monday to Friday, during
Reference
A69/Daventry
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Sunderland
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Sunderland
Description
GCSE Tutor - Sunderland (SR5) GCSE Tutor - Sunderland (SR5)TP-Tutors are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced GCSE Tutor to provide 1:1 tuition to secondary-aged pupils in the Sunderland (
Reference
20/10-GCSE- SR5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Towcester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Education Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Towcester and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary, with potential for permanent employment Working Hours: Monday to Friday, durin
Reference
A68/Towcester
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£180 - 275 per day
Location free text
Rochdale
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Maths
Location
Rochdale
Description
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Maths Teacher to join a welcoming secondary school in Rochdale from January on a one-year maternity cover contract.The successful candidate will deliver
Reference
377MATH
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job