Early Career Framework and Appropriate Body News (ECF & AB)

ECT Update – Spring Term Developments Across the STEP Partnership

The spring term has been an encouraging and productive period for Early Career Teachers (ECTs), Mentors and Induction Tutors across the Shropshire and Telford Education Partnership. Engagement in conferences, training sessions and quality assurance activity has remained consistently strong, reflecting the continued commitment to high-quality induction across the region.

Spring Starters

This term saw the welcome addition of newly registered ECTs and Mentors, each joining the programme through face‑to‑face induction conferences held in January. These sessions introduced participants to the ECT entitlement, the roles and responsibilities within the induction process, and the University College London (UCL) training materials that underpin the programme.

Following these initial conferences, new ECTs joined existing local cohorts for in‑person sessions, providing opportunities for collaborative learning, professional reflection and peer networking before the half‑term break.

Participants are now continuing their development through the UCL Extend platform, engaging with training designed to deepen understanding of the ITTECF and strengthen the link between theory and classroom practice. Mentors are further developing their skills in planning, coaching and supporting ECTs through weekly meetings and ongoing development activities.

Induction Tutor Briefings

Induction Tutors remain central to the successful delivery of the Early Career Framework. The online briefing held on 11 February explored the significant role of the Induction Tutor, including oversight of statutory entitlements, monitoring engagement and reporting progress against the Teachers’ Standards.

The session also focused on processes for supporting ECTs who may experience early challenges. Guidance on SMART target‑setting and additional scaffolding was shared to help create strong foundations for success. Good practice examples were exchanged across attendees, reinforcing the collaborative approach within the partnership.

Quality Assurance Activity

Quality Assurance visits have continued throughout the term, offering valuable insights into how ECF and ECTE processes are organised within individual settings. These visits provide opportunities to understand how schools structure support, ensure statutory entitlements are met and create the best conditions for ECTs to develop confidence and long‑term sustainability in the profession.

Meeting with staff and observing aspects of ECT practice, even briefly, contributes to a shared understanding of strengths, effective systems and areas for further development. The partnership remains grateful to colleagues who facilitate these visits and contribute openly to discussions.

Upcoming Dates for the Diary


Spring Term Professional Progress Reviews & Assessments for ECT's	Due Friday 20th March
Year 1 ECT’s: UCL LLC4 & Intro to Module 5	W/C Monday 23rd March
Year 2 Mentors: BPN Final Module	W/C Monday 23rd March

Spring term Professional Progress Reviews and Assessments for ECTs are due by Friday 20 March (with exceptions for mid-term starters). These should be completed via ECT Manager.

Summer Term Briefings and Drop‑ins

Planning ahead!

Microsoft Teams invitations will be issued in due course.

Date & Time	Session	Details
Wednesday 15 April, 3.30–4.30pm	Induction Tutor briefing	Opportunity to raise questions or discuss early-term issues.
Monday 1 June, 3.30–4.30pm	Induction Tutor briefing	Expectations for the term, reporting feedback, registration guidance and Q&A.
Wednesday 3 June, 3.30–4.30pm	ECT drop-in	Informal opportunity for ECTs to connect and ask questions.
Thursday 4 June, 3.30–4.30pm	Heads / Tutors / Mentor drop-in	Informal opportunity to connect and discuss queries.

Further Support

For additional guidance or queries, the team can be contacted at: ECF@stepwm2.co.uk.