Appropriate bodies are expected to check that Early Career Teachers (ECT) receive an induction based on the Early Career Framework (ECF). The induction’s design must cover the evidence-based statements in the ECF. This is set out on the new Early Career Teachers (ECT) Induction regulations (2021).
Harrow Council's appropriate body will ensure that ECF fidelity checking requirements are communicated at the earliest opportunity. This allows schools to factor in time to plan an ECF-based induction programme and submit their plans to the appropriate body prior to the start of induction.
The level of ECF fidelity checking will vary depending on the type of ECF-based induction being delivered.
If a school has opted for a:
- Full induction programme - no ECF fidelity checks are required
- Core induction programme - ECF fidelity checks are required
- School based induction programme - ECF fidelity checks are required
Schools are adapting to changes to the statutory induction. And given the challenges and pressures created by coronavirus (COVID-19) through 2020 and into 2021, the appropriate body will be taking a supportive approach to ECF fidelity checking for cohorts starting statutory induction in the 2021-22 academic year.
How and when the ECF fidelity checks will be conducted
Phase 1
Prior to the start of induction, the appropriate body is expected to determine the type of induction a school plans to offer. It will check that the school is aware of:
- all three induction routes and has made an informed choice and the benefits
- checking requirements of their chosen route
Once a school has confirmed its chosen induction route, the appropriate body will communicate to them:
- what information they must provide before and during induction
- how and when any ECF fidelity checking will be carried out
- a fidelity checking pro forma will be sent to the school with clear guidance on how to complete it
- Appropriate bodies will check school’s plans for delivering an ECF-based induction and verify that this has been received by the ECT
Phase 2
Review point 1: before the end of term 3
This will take place in the spring or summer term of the first year of induction, as agreed between the appropriate body and the school.
At this stage the appropriate body is expected to check the implementation of the school’s plans.
To do this the appropriate body will request evidence that the school has delivered its programme of induction in line with its plan, with explanations for any instances where this has changed.
Phase 3
Review point 2: before the end of induction
This will take place in the spring/summer term of the second year of induction, as agreed between the appropriate body and the school.
At this stage:
- the school is expected to submit induction plans in full and represent the induction process to that point.
- the appropriate body is expected to verify that ECTs have received an ECF-based induction and inform the school of the outcome of their final ECF fidelity check.
Further information can be found appropriate bodies guidance: induction and the Early Career Framework.