Statutory induction is the bridge between initial teacher training and a career in teaching. The induction provides a foundation for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and equips them with tools to be successful teachers.
The induction combines a structured programme of development, support and professional dialogue. It is underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF), with monitoring and assessment of performance against the Teachers’ Standards.
Qualified teachers of maintained schools, or non-maintained special schools in England must by law complete an induction period satisfactorily. This is subject to specified exceptions.
An ECT cannot undertake statutory induction unless they have been awarded Qualified Teachers Status (QTS). Headteachers must check with the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) that this has been obtained.
Induction from September 2021
- The term early career teacher (ECT) replaces newly qualified teacher (NQT).
- The standard length of an induction has been increased from one school year to two school years. This is for both part-time and full-time ECTs.
- ECTs receive a 10% timetable reduction in their first year of induction and 5% in their second year.
- Schools are expected to provide an induction period that's underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF).
- Appropriate bodies will have a role in checking that an ECF-based induction is in place. This is known as ‘fidelity checking’.
- The role of the mentor has been introduced, with the key role in supporting the ECT during induction. It is separate to the role of the induction tutor.
- There will be two formal assessment points. One midway through induction and one at the end of the induction period. These will be supported by regular reviews to monitor progress. They will take place in each term where a formal assessment is not scheduled.
Transition arrangements: pre-September 2021 cohort
- New arrangements apply to ECTs who start their induction after 1st September 2021.
- ECTs who started on 1st September 2021 have until September 2023 to complete their induction, within one year.
- From 1 September 2023 all ECTs are required to complete a 2-year induction period. These ECTs should not restart induction, but would complete what remains of a 2-year induction.
Appropriate bodies
Appropriate bodies will continue to play a key role in induction by:
- Ensuring that ECTs receive their statutory entitlements and are fairly and consistently assessed.
- Checking whether ECTs are receiving a programme of support and training based on the early career framework.