Fidelity Checking

The level of fidelity checking led by the Appropriate Body will vary depending on the ECF-induction being delivered.

The Full Induction Programme does not require fidelity checks, as the lead providers of these programmes are already subject to quality assurance through Ofsted (from September 2021) and contract management to ensure that their offer is true to the Early Career Framework.

Where schools choose to deliver Core Induction or a School-Based programmes, the Appropriate Body is required to conduct fidelity checks to assure that new teachers receive an ECF-rich programme of support and training.  A downloadable Fidelity Check form can be found at the bottom of this page.

For Core Induction, this check will quality assure that the planning in place, over the course of induction, is matched to core elements of the DfE’s Core Induction materials, which can be found HERE.

For school-based programmes, Appropriate Bodies are expected to check in greater detail, as there is greater risk that a school-based programme could diverge from the Early Career Framework, as accredited materials are not used as the basis of programme development.

Our Appropriate Body pricing structure is reflective of the enhanced levels of fidelity checking required via the different models.

When are fidelity checks conducted? 

There are three checkpoints over the 2-year programme:

1 - At the planning stage, before Induction, to check the programme is designed in a manner true to the ECF. The form to be completed at this stage can be found here.

2 - At the End of Term 3, to check the implementation of plans.

3 - At the end of Induction, to check actual delivery of the proposed induction plans.

As part of this process, schools are required to compile supporting documentation to demonstrate how their Core or School-Based Induction programme will be delivered.  The level of reporting required is dependent on the model – more extensive evidencing is required when the school-based programme is opted for.

Find out more about about our Appropriate Body Offer HERE or to register for our services follow the link below.