Why The Early Career Framework Really Matters For Schools and Teachers

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.

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.

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