Early career teacher (ECT) induction: summary

Read about your requirements and responsibilities for the statutory 2-year induction period for early career teachers (ECT)s.

Last reviewed on 7 July 2022
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School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 42308
Contents
  1. Early career induction (ECI) period is statutory 
  2. Choose from 3 different types of induction programme
  3. Base your induction programme on the Early Career Framework (ECF)
  4. Appoint both an induction tutor and an induction mentor
  5. ECTs will have 2 formal assessments
  6. Transition arrangements from NQTs

Early career induction (ECI) period is statutory 

Updated statutory guidance on induction for early career teachers (ECTs) came into force in September 2021. This guidance and the term 'ECT' replaces old guidance and wording on 'NQTs'.

The ECI period is a 2-year induction programme, underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF) (see the section below).

To teach in maintained schools

  • All teachers must have completed or (be working towards) an ECI period

To teach in academies or independent schools

  • An ECI period is not required, but these settings may still choose to offer ECTs a statutory induction period

During induction, ECTs have timetable reductions from the rest of the teaching staff. These are:

  • 10% in the first year (or 3 terms)
  • 5% in the second year 

Maintained and special schools are eligible for funding to cover these timetable reductions. Find more details in the DfE's guidance on funding and eligibility for ECF-based training.