Early Career Training Programme (formerly known as ECF)

 

As a proud Delivery Partner for Teach First, our Trust is committed to providing an exceptional start to the careers of our Early Career Teachers (ECTs). The Early Career Training (ECTP) is a pivotal step in teacher development, and through our collaboration with Teach First, a leading expert in initial teacher training and development, we ensure all our new teachers receive the high-quality, evidence-based support they deserve.

In year 1 ECT’s all modules are delivered face to face the programme is structured to help Early Career Teachers integrate theory, practice and feedback.

Year 1

  • Creating powerful learning environments
  • How pupils learn
  • How to plan and teach lessons
  • Supporting every pupil to succeed
  • Assessment and feedback
  • Planning a coherent curriculum

 

We recognise that the transition from training to teaching is a demanding one. Our partnership with Teach First places the well-being and professional growth of our ECTs at the heart of the ECTP delivery.

  • Dedicated Mentorship: Every ECT is paired with a highly-trained, experienced mentor who acts as a trusted guide and coach. Mentors are provided with rigorous training and resources from Teach First and our Trust to ensure they can deliver impactful, timely, and personalised support.
  • Structured Professional Development: The Teach First ECTP programme offers a carefully sequenced curriculum built on the best available evidence. We facilitate this learning through protected time for weekly mentor sessions and regular high-quality training events, ensuring ECTs develop deep subject knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and essential classroom management skills.
  • A Supportive Community: Beyond the mentor-ECT relationship, we foster a network of support. Our ECTs benefit from opportunities to collaborate with peers, share best practice, and access a wider network of specialist support within the Trust. We strive to create an environment where ECTs feel confident to ask for help and take risks in their practice.
  • Peer Networking and Collaboration: We facilitate regular opportunities for all Year 1 ECTs to come together across the Trust. These dedicated sessions allow them to network, discuss shared challenges, celebrate successes, and exchange good practice in a confidential and supportive peer setting. This collaborative approach significantly enhances morale and mutual support during the crucial first year.

 

Guaranteeing Entitlement: Fulfilling the Promise of the ECTP

 

The Early Career Framework is not just a training programme; it is a statutory entitlement designed to provide all new teachers with a structured two-year induction. Our role as a delivery partner is to ensure this entitlement is meticulously met and goes above and beyond the minimum requirement.

We are committed to guaranteeing the following for every ECT:

  • 10% Timetable reduction in Year 1: Providing essential time for training, study, and meeting with their mentor.
  • 5% Timetable Reduction in Year 2: Continuing to protect time for crucial development activities.
  • Fidelity to the Teach First ECTP Programme: Delivering the full, high-quality curriculum, ensuring ECTs access content that is research-informed and relevant to the challenges of the classroom.
  • Regular Progress Reviews: Conducting formal assessments and progress reviews in line with statutory guidance and the Teach First programme requirements, ensuring that ECTs are on track and receiving targeted support where needed.

 

Our ultimate aim is to ensure that every ECT in our Trust feels highly valued, fully supported, and empowered to thrive, transforming them into the confident, expert teachers our pupils deserve.

 

Partner with us

 

If your school or trust is interested in having your Early Career Teachers complete their ECTP induction with FCAT, please contact Malini Craig at malini.craig@fcat.org.uk