Induction Roles and Responsibilities

An Early Career Teacher is a teacher who has achieved QTS and is now embarking on a career in teaching.  

The Early Career Framework (ECF) 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. The package of reforms will ensure new teachers have dedicated time set aside to focus on their development.

Schools will appoint an Induction Coordinator who is a senior leader in their school. They will be our point of contact for ECTs, Mentors and the Delivery Partner and will be the person responsible for ensuring the Early Career Framework is delivered to a high standard within their school(s). This includes:

• Timetabling - making sure that ECTs and mentors have the appropriate timetables so they can make the most of the programme.
• Retention of ECTs and mentors - to provide the right support to retain ECTs and mentors throughout the programme and to track engagement.
• Selecting mentors - selecting high-quality mentors who have the knowledge, skills and capacity to support ECTs throughout the two-year programme.
• Engagement – they will make sure their programme members are engaging with the programme. Delivery Partners will liaise if participants are not accessing their resources or events.
• Quality Assurance - to ensure the quality of the programme is to the standard required and to carry out quality assurance processes across the year.

The Induction Tutors will support the Induction Coordinator (or Lead) by:

• assessing ECTs against the Teachers' Standards
• observing the ECT formally once each half term
• meeting with the ECT termly
• completing progress reviews and formal assessments throughout the induction period
• Co-ordinating support and guidance for ECTs 
• taking action if an ECT is experiencing difficulties 

The Induction Tutor role is separate from that of a Mentor who will be supporting the ECT on a weekly basis (in the first year) or fortnightly (in the second year).

An ECT mentor plays an important role in supporting an Early Career Teacher's progress and development. They will provide coaching, support and motivation through regular meetings with their ECT during the induction and report any difficulties to the Induction Coordinator promptly.

Our team is here to help all participants with any queries or concerns

How the team can support Induction Co-ordinators:

• Assist with registration of ECTs & Mentors
• Support with any changes of Mentor
• Cause for concern – support & help manage process
• Support with Steplab & ECT Manager portals
• Book 15-minute video calls for any specific advice or support required
• Provide engagement data to ensure your ECT’s entitlement to an ECF-based    Induction
• Dedicated support email for any queries

How the team can support Mentors:

• Steplab support
• Book 15-minute video calls for any specific advice or support required
• Coaching-on-coaching sessions to develop mentors’ skills to effectively deliver instructional coaching
• Clinics & Conferences to support development in delivering statutory entitlements
• Dedicated support email for any queries

How the team can support your ECTs:

• Conferences and clinics throughout the induction period to meet the expectations of an ECF-based Induction programme.
• Dedicated support email for any queries
• Steplab support