The Education People (ECT Induction Team) Services from September 2023
Appropriate Body for Induction
Unfortunately, as a result of government changes to who can act as an Appropriate Body for the purposes of ECT induction, The Education People (ECT Induction Team) will not be able to accept new registrations from September 2023.
We will, however, continue to support our ECTs who are registered with us and won’t have completed enough time to finish their induction in July 2023. The Department for Education feel this transition period is in ECTs’ best interests because it allows schools to provide stability for them during their induction. By allowing schools to keep their existing ECTs with us, the majority of ECTs who began induction in September 2022 will avoid any disruption by remaining with one AB throughout.
We are delighted with this decision as it allows us to continue to support our existing ECTs and we look forward to doing so in September. With this in mind, we would really appreciate it if you could complete this short form to let us know if you will be remaining with us for any existing ECTs you have - Existing ECT Appropriate Body Arrangements for September 2023. Thank you in advance.
For any new ECTs starting from September, we will be working with the two Teaching School Hubs in Kent to support them in their delivery of ECT induction services and so schools will need to contact one of the hubs below to register any new ECTs from September. Please find below contact details for both TSH:
Kent Teaching School Hub - info@ktsh.org.uk
Thames Gateway Teaching School Hub - enquiries@tgtsh.org.uk
ECF Programme in partnership with Best Practice Network
We are pleased to confirm that despite the changes to who can act as the Appropriate Body for schools, we are still able to support the delivery of the Early Career Development Programme in partnership with Best Practice Network and hope that many of our schools will continue to work with us. This programme is fully funded, so no extra cost to schools. We have been working in partnership with Best Practice Network to deliver the ECF programme for nearly 2 years and together, we have supported its development to ensure it meets the needs of our schools locally. We will continue to recommend improvements and hope to see many of you at the events around the county in the new school year.
As you know, all schools offering induction must also offer an ECF programme. Schools do not have to sign up to the programme offered via their Appropriate Body and can choose any of the lead providers to access the ECF programme. For ease, we have listed the providers of the core ECF programme below that you are able to access:
• Best Practice Network – delivered by The Education People (ECT Induction Team)
• Ambition – delivered by Kent Teaching School Hub with support from The Education People (ECT Induction Team)
• Education Development Trust – delivered by Thames Gateway Teaching School Hub
How to register with The Education People and Best Practice Network for the delivery of the ECF:
1. Register your Autumn 23 intake (year 1) ECT and ECM details on the DfE portal. This will be open for schools from week commencing 3rd July.
2. ECTs and ECMs complete the BPN application form (sent to the email address provided on the DfE portal).
ECT Conference 2023 — ‘What Next?’
(for Primary and Secondary ECTs in Year 2 of induction)
Wednesday 12th July 2023
Online - 09:30 to 15:30
A fantastic opportunity for Primary and Secondary ECTs in year 2 of their induction period to access workshops focusing on our theme of 'What Next?' - i.e. looking forward to teaching after successfully completing induction. Delegates will have the opportunity to attend all 4 workshops during the course of the day as well as hearing from our opening and closing key speakers. Further details of these will be published shortly.
To book, follow this link: Wednesday 12th July—ECT Conference ‘What Next?’
ECT Guide to Successful Induction Webinar
Our free 'Guide to Successful Induction' training takes place in the form of an interactive webinar rather than a face to face session. This is to make it more widely available to our ECTs as it can be completed from anywhere they have internet access. The webinar will ensure ECTs understand their role and responsibilities as an ECT throughout their induction. It covers everything ECTs need to know about induction including the termly assessments.
To view our latest available dates and to book a place or to add your ECT to the waiting list, please complete this online form
A polite reminder that this webinar is mandatory, so if your ECTs haven’t already attended a session since starting thier induction period, please book a place now.
All sessions will last for 1 hour. These sessions are not suitable for NQTs who started their induction before September 2021
ECT Conference
and Guide to Events
Reminders for Term 6
If you haven't already signed off your ECT’s Term 5 assessment, please make this a priority. The grading criteria is shown below:
A: This ECT is currently making excellent progress towards meeting the induction standards.
B: This ECT is currently making good progress towards meeting the induction standards.
C: This ECT is making satisfactory progress towards meeting the induction standards.
D: This ECT is making limited progress towards meeting the induction standards.
E: This ECT is not making any progress towards meeting the induction standards.
The term 6 assessment is due by 17th July. For the majority of ECT’s who started in September, this will be a full assessment.
Full Assessments
A full assessment requires you to outline how your ECTs are performing under each of the Teachers’ Standards as well as grading your progress.
Please note as this is a full assessment you will not need to upload the E1 document.
If your ECT works part-time, we still require an assessment to be submitted on ECT Manager every term.
Assessment Meetings
The assessment meeting gives an opportunity for you and your ECT to discuss their progress and the grade that best represents your ECT’s progress for the term. The meeting should take place towards the end of the term before the assessment is submitted.
Term 6: 17/07/2023
Assessment date deadline
Ensuring the post is suitable for induction
In order for the post to be suitable for induction, the ECT must be employed on a contract of at least 2 days per week (i.e. 0.4 FTE). This is to ensure the ECT is able to see the workings of the school giving them the best opportunity to demonstrate satisfactory performance against the Teachers’ Standards. The ECT must also be allocated a mentor/ tutor with QTS, meet with their mentor/tutor on a regular basis and be provided with a reduced timetable to enable them to undertake activities in their induction programme.
What should you expect to see from your ECT at this point?
Those ECTs who are in their final term of year 1 should now be meeting the Teachers’ Standards to at least a consistently satisfactory standard (C grade). Some year 1 ECTs will be working towards meeting the standards to a good level (B grade) by the end of term 6 in their first year. Those ECTs who are in their final term of year 2 should be meeting the standards to at least a consistently good level, although they are able to pass at a satisfactory level. Please refer to document E1 in the handbook for guidance on grading your ECTs.
If this is not the case and you have concerns about your ECT you should contact the induction team as soon as possible so that measures can be put in place to support your ECT.
Writing your ECT's assessment
We felt it might be useful for tutors / mentors to see some examples of well written assessments and so have included extracts in this newsletter. In this example, the ECT is making good (B grade) progress. Statements are backed up with evidence and targets are clear and concise.
3. Demonstrate good subject knowledge and curriculum knowledge
Areas requiring further development including a SMART target from previous assessment: Use ipads and laptops more frequently in lessons as these can be invaluable in quickly accessing subject specific information, activities, extensions etc.
Strengths
Xxxxx responds effectively to pupil questions and addresses misconceptions quickly without making a huge point and making children feel ashamed. She demonstrates good subject knowledge and is not afraid to say she is not sure and look something up, thus showing we are life long learners. Xxxxx makes sure she has practiced mathematical problems herself before giving them to her children and in doing so ensures she fully understands not only the task but the possible pit falls.
Evidence to inform the judgements Discussions during ECT meetings
Areas requiring further development including a SMART target Xxxxx needs to be more proactive in identifying and attending CPD training course. She has started to request support in key area including report writing and specific SEN issues, however she would benefit from attending more detailed courses aimed at supporting teachers to support children with additional needs. Target: To attend a SEN focused course next year.
7. Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment
Areas requiring further development including a SMART target from previous assessment:
SMART target: Continue to use Dojo’s to support behaviour management as before. Target 2: Insist on children showing respect and listening when you or others are talking Strengths
Xxxxx has a good relationship with her class and they have mutual respect for each other. Xxxxx uses firm boundaries and the school rules to guide her classes behaviour. She implements the consequences when necessary. Time is used effectively so that learning time is not wasted. Children are motivated to learn and are desperate to show their learning and knowledge. Xxxxx has developed her ability to ensure those less confident children are able to participate, doing things like nominating a group spokesperson to feedback to class etc.
Evidence to inform the judgements
Discussions during NQT meetings, inclusion meeting notes,
Areas requiring further development including a SMART target
Xxxxx has needed some support in order to meet with parents to discuss issues. Its difficult giving difficult messages and Xxxxx is caring enough to appreciate how parents may feel. This has at times held Xxxxx back from approaching parents with problems. She has preferred to approach the inclusion team to request support. Target: To meet with a parent unsupported to discuss a possible SEND.
Writing your ECT's assessment
8. Fulfil wider professional responsibilities
Areas requiring further development including a SMART target from previous assessment:
SMART target: To use ECT time more effectively by planning opportunities to meet with other staff members or observe other classes. This might mean altering the timing of your ECT time slightly or visiting a local school.
Strengths
Xxxxx has supported the wider activities within the school including school fairs. Xxxxx offers her support and time to others and is caring about the challenges other people face in their roles in school and out. During parent evenings Xxxxx has built good relationships and is well prepared. Xxxxx has worked effectively with the inclusion team and with outside agencies who have come in to support children in her class.
Evidence to inform the judgements
Class observation, parent feedback, inclusion team feedback,
Areas requiring further development including a SMART target target: Plan really effectively for your class TA so that you can ensure all children's needs are being met and everyone is moving forward as expected.
Writing your ECT's assessment
Is your ECT struggling ?
Please contact ect@kent.gov.uk if you have any concerns about your ECT’s progress as soon as possible, or if you would like some help and guidance on the cause for concern procedure.
Has your ECT been absent for 30 days or more?
If yes, your ECT’s induction period will need to be extended. Please contact the induction team (ect@kent.gov.uk) so they can advise you on how the extension will work.
I graded my ECT as D or E in the last assessment. What happens next?
The Induction Team will contact you by email in the first instance to find out whether you require additional support.
Can an ECT choose to stop their induction?
All the time your ECT is in a suitable post for induction within your school, their induction period must continue. If you have any queries about this, please contact the ECT Induction team.
Accessing ECT Manager
I have forgotten my log in details for ECT Manager and can’t access the assessments?
- Go to ECT Manager
- Follow the instructions under ‘Forgotten your password?’
Year 2 Early Career Framework Expectations for those ECTs on the Best Practice Network Full Induction Programme
The ECF for Year 2 of your induction period provides a more in depth analysis of the topics of year 1, consolidating knowledge. For ECTs following an ECF programme provided by Best Practice Network, alongside the face to face sessions, ECTs will also have online workshops, mentoring sessions and time to go through the modules on canvas as part of their 5% release time. Schools will also need to arrange for their ECTs to visit another school during the Summer term of 2024 for a day.
Further information on all of this will be communicated to you at the Year 2 Induction Conferences that BPN will be inviting both Mentors and their ECTs to, very soon. These conferences will set out what to expect in the second year of the ECF programme. The conferences are 2 hours long, and delegates will be able to choose from a range of dates and times to suit their availability.
Keep an eye out for the invitation from Best Practice Network soon! ECTs following a core or school based programme should discuss the content of year 2 with their mentor.
Second Year ECTs
As we approach the next academic year the Department for Education has asked appropriate bodies to remind schools about the importance of ensuring that timetabling for next academic year includes sufficient time off timetable as per the Statutory Induction Guidance. This includes ensuring that:
• ECTs have 10% in year 1 and 5% in year 2; and that
• Mentors have sufficient time to carry out their role effectively – both to:
• undertake mentor training (for those on funded training programmes); and to
• plan and hold mentor sessions with their ECT(s)
NB: Mentoring sessions would normally be expected to be during normal teaching hours
We will check that the reduced timetable is in place for year 2 as part of our normal QA process.
Observations
Observations should take place as normal with at least one formal observation every term. Some schools require more than one observation/ drop in a term and this is acceptable as long as the observation is a supportive process and constructive feedback is given in a timely manner.
Assessments
These will look the same as they did in Year 1 of the induction period. You will have an Interim assessment (just a grade) at the end of Terms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and a full and final assessment (the more detailed assessment with comments against each standard) at the end of Term
6. Our E1 ‘Grading using the Teachers’ Standards’ document will also need to be uploaded to ECT Manager at the end of Terms 1, 2, 3, 4 and
5. Mentors/tutors should highlight the comments within the E1 document in the relevant columns, that best describe their ECTs progress within each Teachers’ Standard. You may find it helpful to use a different colour highlighter each term so you can easily track your ECTs progress.
ECT Impact Files
Induction mentor meetings
If your ECT is making at least good progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards, your meetings with them can be reduced to 2 per term with informal catch ups in-between, as and when needed. We recommend the first meeting should take place within the first 2 weeks of each term to discuss if there are any Teachers’ Standards they should focus on and then the second meeting (the assessment meeting) at the end of each term, should look at their progress and the grade that will be submitted in your assessment on ECT Manager. Your ECTs should bring evidence to show how they are meeting the standards to these meetings, as this will help tutors make an informed decision about thier grade.
The ECT Impact File is now a requirement for ECTs who started induction from September 2022. This file should hold or point to the evidence to show your ECT is meeting the Teachers’ Standards. Tutor/ mentors will have a good idea which standards their ECTs are meeting but you are not with your ECT all the time and will not see everything they do in the class room. We have a proforma ‘E4 –Evidencing the Teachers Standards’ that your ECTs may find helpful to record where their evidence can be found. The document lists the standards and highlights how your ECT can show they are meeting them. There is also a chart where ECTs can record the evidence they have and where it can be located. We suggest they use this document and take it with them to their end of term assessment meetings where their tutor will discuss the grade they will submit on ECT Manager
What does Year two of my Induction look like?