Early Career Framework (ECF)

Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) 2025: Overview

The Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) is an ambitious initiative led by the Department for Education (DfE) in England, set to launch in 2025. This entitlement is designed to transform the way newly qualified teachers are supported in their early years of teaching, ensuring they have the right tools, training, and mentorship to thrive in the classroom. With a focus on evidence-based professional development, the ECTE aims to improve teaching quality and support teacher retention across the country.

Key Features of the ECTE 2025

The ECTE programme provides Early Career Teachers (ECTs) with a structured and comprehensive support package over their first two years of teaching. It includes:

Two-Year Induction Programme: This programme builds on the Early Career Framework (ECF) introduced in 2021, offering a structured pathway for professional development. It includes training in areas such as subject knowledge, classroom management, inclusive teaching strategies, and assessment.
Mentorship Support: Each ECT will have a designated mentor—a more experienced teacher—who will provide guidance and feedback throughout the induction period. Mentors are key in supporting the ECT’s progress, helping them navigate challenges, and fostering a growth mindset.
Reduced Teaching Time: The ECTE ensures that new teachers are not overwhelmed with their teaching responsibilities. ECTs will receive a 10% reduction in teaching time in their first year and a 5% reduction in their second year, enabling them to focus on their professional development and mentorship.
Regular Assessments: Throughout the induction period, ECTs will undergo regular progress reviews to assess their development against the Teachers’ Standards. These assessments ensure that each teacher is supported in meeting professional expectations and is ready for full certification as a qualified teacher.

Benefits of the ECTE Programme

Professional Growth: The structured training programme helps ECTs deepen their teaching skills and knowledge, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver high-quality education to students. With access to evidence-based resources and expert training, ECTs can enhance their pedagogical approach from the outset of their careers.
Stronger Mentoring Relationships: The mentoring component of the ECTE ensures that each teacher has consistent support. Experienced mentors are provided with training to offer effective guidance, promoting reflective practice and professional development for both the ECT and the mentor.
Improved Retention: Research indicates that early-career teachers often leave the profession due to lack of support and burnout. By providing significant reductions in workload, structured professional development, and close mentorship, the ECTE aims to improve teacher retention rates and ensure a sustainable, skilled workforce.

Eligibility Criteria

To benefit from the Early Career Teacher Entitlement in 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Employed as a Teacher in a State-Funded School: You must be employed in a state-funded secondary or primary school in England.
Completion of Initial Teacher Training (ITT): You must have successfully completed an approved Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme.
Possess Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): ECTs must hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or be enrolled in a QTS programme.
Commitment to the Full Induction Period: You must be engaged in the statutory two-year induction period as part of the ECTE framework.

How to Access the Programme

Applications for the Early Career Teacher Entitlement will open in 2025. Schools and individual teachers can apply through the Department for Education's online portal. Here’s how:

Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet the required criteria listed above.
Complete the Application: Schools will be able to nominate eligible ECTs for the programme, while individual ECTs can apply directly if they meet the qualifications.
Review Programme Details: All applicants should familiarise themselves with the full programme outline and expectations as detailed by the DfE.

Contact Us

For specific queries regarding the Early Career Teacher Entitlement programme or for help with the application process:

Email: rainbowhub@remat.org.uk