The journey to becoming an effective educator is both exciting and demanding. As the education landscape evolves, so do the pathways available to become an established teacher.

Traditionally, Best Practice Network has supported Early Career Teachers (ECTs) to serve the standard two-year standard induction. However, recognising the diverse needs and circumstances of teachers, the Non-Standard Induction Policy has been developed to support ECTs who require a modified training path. 

The cornerstone of this policy is simple: Inclusivity. The aim is to eliminate barriers that could hinder an ECTs growth and development. This policy sets out principles to guide educators and institutions in dealing with non-standard ECT situations. This policy applies to:

• Part-time ECTs
• ECTs undergoing an extended or reduced induction
• ECTs who are transferring schools during training
• ECTs starting at different points within the academic year

Part-time Early Career Teachers

The Non-Standard Induction offers part-time ECTs sufficient practice time to demonstrate the teaching standards to the same degree as the standard 2-year Early Career Framework participants.

Part-time ECTs following the Non-Standard Induction will follow an extended programme route and will also be offered the option of attending live online training events throughout their training.

There are certain occasions where a part-time teacher can complete the Early Career Framework induction within the standard 2 years. In this case, all modules should still be completed and it is up to the Appropriate Body to agree.

Can the Early Career Framework induction be reduced?

Yes, according to the principles of the Non-standard Induction, however it can only be considered where an ECT already has extensive experience within a teaching role and exhibiting the teaching standards. In cases like this, the induction will very closely follow the Early Career Framework but may not go into as much detail as the standard induction.

Best Practice Network will work with the headteacher and Induction Tutor to ensure that there is training in place to meet individual needs.

The length of the reduced induction can vary from 1-5 terms, this is to be agreed with the Appropriate Body depending on individual circumstances.

Personalised delivery

While the majority of ECTs will begin at their school in September of Year 1 and progress into Year 2 with the same Mentor, this may not be the case for everyone. Some ECTs may start their induction further into the year, some may move schools and others will switch Mentors part-way through the programme.

ECTs will be expected to cover all 9 modules in the suggested order that Best Practice Network has set out, with online events offered or where possible, face-to-face events. Prior to joining the next available cohort, full support will be provided to the ECT.

If an ECT moves to a school that follows the Early Career Framework from a different lead provider, we will support the new Induction Tutor and Mentor to review the ECTs progress to date and select the best route through the remaining Early Career Framework modules.

The Non-Standard Induction, whether reduced or extended, must be approved by both the school and the Appropriate Body. Early Career Mentors are not eligible for the Non-Standard Induction.

For further information on Non-Standard Induction, please refer to our Non-Standard Policy. For full details about the statutory induction of ECTs, please refer to Department for Education (DfE)

Looking for more information?

If you would like any more information on our ECF programme, get in contact with us:

 Email: ecf@bestpracticenet.co.uk

 Tel: +44 (0) 117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)