Early Career Framework

The Early Career Framework (ECF) is a national framework which underpins an entitlement to a fully-funded, two-year package of structured training and support for early career teachers linked to the best available research evidence. 

NB – the ECF is a support mechanism for early career teachers, not an assessment tool. 

The ECF is designed to build on the knowledge acquired by teachers during initial teacher training, developing expertise in five core areas: behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and professional behaviours.  

These areas are broken down into ‘Learn that…’ and ‘Learn how to…’ statements, to ensure that early career teachers (ECTs) develop knowledge of both effective classroom strategies and the thinking behind them.

• A 2-year induction programme, following National guidelines. 
• 10% timetable reduction in Year 1. 
• 5% timetable reduction in Year 2. 
• 40 hours mentoring in Year 1. 
• 20 hours mentoring in Year 2. 
• The ECF programme for two years. 

The ECF is applied within CET in line with the national framework. 

NB that CET assessment is separate to the ECF programme. The ECF is a programme of support. 

Assessment is managed by CET’s chosen Appropriate Body. 

Your assessment will test your teaching performance against the Teachers’ Standards (not the ECF). 

There will be 2 formal assessment points: 

1. Midway through induction. 
2. At the end. 

There will be regular progress reviews against the Teachers’ Standards each term.  

A 2-year induction programme, following National guidelines. 

• 10% timetable reduction in Year 1. 
• 5% timetable reduction in Year 2. 
• 40 hours mentoring in Year 1. 
• 20 hours mentoring in Year 2. 
• The ECF programme for two years. 

• “So far the programme has been beneficial in helping me to reflect on my practice and how I can improve the teaching and learning in my classroom.”
• “The course gives advice, strategies and approaches for dealing with every aspect of classroom practice from giving clear instructions, to behaviour and how to ensure you are embedding knowledge.”
• “The mixture of reading and videos helps to break down the content.”
• “I have been using what I have learnt about in my own practice to improve over the first term, especially as my training year was cut short due to lockdown.” 
• “The course has allowed me to feel supported and has provided me with lots of new strategies to trial in the classroom.” 
• “The programme has given me plenty of opportunities for discussions with my mentor and the interactive platform makes it easy to learn in my own time.” 

Katy Birks CET ECF co-ordinator/WHS Assistant Headteacher
kbirks@williamhoward.cumbria.sch.uk 

 

Daniel Smith CET ECF co-ordinator/Whitehaven Academy Assistant Headteacher
dsmith@whitehavenacademy.org.uk