Early Career Framework and Appropriate Body News (ECF & AB)
ECTE with UCL
As we come towards the end of our first year working with University College London (UCL) as Lead Provider for the Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE), we are delighted with the success of the partnership and the positive feedback shared by participants across our schools.
Whether it is Early Career Teachers highlighting the benefits of regular, focused in-school mentoring and local peer networks, or mentors celebrating the positive impact the programme is having on classroom practice and professional reflection, the feedback demonstrates a successful transition to the new programme. We are grateful to schools for their positive engagement and continued partnership throughout this process.
ECT and Mentor Feedback
"The Adaptive Teaching module has had a positive impact on my teaching practice by helping me better understand how to meet the needs of all learners while maintaining high expectations. It has encouraged me to use strategies such as pre-teaching vocabulary, modelling, scaffolding and flexible grouping to ensure all pupils can access learning successfully.
The module has also strengthened my use of formative assessment, allowing me to identify misconceptions and adapt my teaching during lessons. As a result, I have become more responsive to pupils' needs and more confident in making adjustments that support progress for all learners.
Overall, the module has helped me create a more inclusive classroom environment and has improved my ability to support pupils in achieving success across the curriculum."
– Year 1 ECT
"I am very satisfied with the Early Career Teacher Programme for Mentors provided by UCL so far. The programme has been thorough and well-structured, ensuring that all aspects of my development are carefully addressed. The induction, facilitated learning sessions, and independent study materials have been clear and purposeful, helping me to build my understanding effectively.In addition, the support provided throughout the programme has been consistently strong, making it feel both encouraging and accessible. Opportunities for reflection and networking have further enhanced my experience. Overall, I feel well-supported and confident in my progress, and the programme has had a positive impact on my professional development."– ECT Mentor
We are now looking forward to supporting our current ECTs as they move into Year 2 of the programme, whilst welcoming a new cohort of participants from September. Training schedules for the new academic year are currently being shared with schools and are also available on the STEP website: https://www.stepwm2.co.uk/our-offer/ecf-ab.
Time to Register
With the Department for Education's ECTE registration portal now open, schools are encouraged to complete registrations before the summer break. The DfE portal can be accessed here: https://manage-training-for-early-career-teachers.education.gov.uk/.
Successful registration enables ECTs and their mentors to access training programmes that support progress against the Teachers' Standards and provide a strong foundation for long-term success within the profession. ECTs must be registered with both an Appropriate Body, such as STEP via ECT Manager, and a Lead Provider, such as UCL via the DfE portal.
A webinar held earlier this term provided guidance on registration procedures and outlined the important role Head Teachers and Induction Tutors play in supporting new teachers. Schools that have not yet completed their registrations can access further guidance on the STEP website: https://www.stepwm2.co.uk/our-offer/ecf-ab.
For support or queries, please contact the STEP team at ECF@stepwm2.co.uk.
ECT Mentors
We are also celebrating another successful year of mentor development, with a new cohort of mentors completing their training programmes this summer. Whether approaching the end of the two-year ECF programme or the revised one-year ECTE programme with UCL, mentors have demonstrated a strong commitment to professional learning and supporting colleagues at the start of their teaching careers.
Through self-study, facilitated learning and collaborative opportunities, mentors have developed the skills and confidence required to guide Early Career Teachers through their induction journey. Their contribution continues to play a vital role in strengthening teaching and learning across our partnership schools.
Mentors are reminded to ensure all activities on their learning platforms, including Canvas or UCL Extend, are marked as complete so that engagement is recognised by the DfE and backfill funding can be released to schools.
Progress and Assessment Reports
The next reporting deadline is Wednesday 15 July, and we would like to thank Induction Tutors for their continued support throughout the induction process.
Examples of both Progress Reviews and Final Assessment Reports are available within the Resources section of ECT Manager to support schools in providing an appropriate level of Teachers' Standards detail whilst managing busy workloads.
These reports provide an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Early Career Teachers, recognise their impact on learning and identify next steps for professional development. We look forward to reading about the excellent work taking place in classrooms across Shropshire and Telford.
Looking Ahead
As another successful year draws to a close, STEP remains committed to supporting Early Career Teachers, mentors and school leaders through high-quality professional development, guidance and partnership working. We look forward to welcoming new participants in September and continuing to work alongside schools to ensure every Early Career Teacher has the support they need to thrive in the profession.
Together, we are supporting the next generation of teachers across Shropshire and Telford.
Further Support
For additional guidance or queries, the team can be contacted at: ECF@stepwm2.co.uk.