What is the early career induction (ECI) period?
The ECI period is a 2-year induction programme, set out in statutory guidance underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF) (see the section below).
The period may be extended by the 'appropriate body' (see below) for reasons including:
- Personal crises
- Illness
- Disability
- Issues around the support during induction
- Where there's not enough documentation to make a decision about the ECT's performance
See section 3 of the guidance for more information on extending the induction period.
In maintained schools:
- The ECI period is statutory
- All teachers must have completed or (be working towards) an ECI period
- Where teachers have significant experience before entering the maintained sector for the first time, the appropriate body may choose to reduce the induction period to a minimum of 1 term
In academies or independent schools:
- An ECI period is not statutory
- You may still choose to offer ECTs an induction period
During induction, ECTs have