Decide which of the ECF delivery methods your school will use:

Method 1: Full Induction Programme – Led by funded provider. Schools can choose to work with providers accredited by the Department for Education who will design and deliver a programme of face-to-face and online training to ECTs and their mentors. This programme is funded by the Department for Education.

Services For Education are now working in partnership with Best Practice Network to deliver the full Early Career Development Programme. 

Method 2: Core Induction Programme – Schools deliver their own training using DfE accredited materials and resources.

Schools use freely available DfE accredited materials, which includes ready to use materials and resources for new teachers and mentors, to deliver their own ECT and mentor support. These materials have been accredited by the Department for Education and quality assured by the Education Endowment Foundation.

Method 3: School-based Induction Programme – Schools design and deliver their own two-year induction programme for ECTs based on the ECF.

Statutory guidance requires the Appropriate Body to quality assure schools choosing the ‘Core Induction Programme’ and the ‘School based Programme’ to a higher degree.

The DfE step-by-step guidance can be accessed here.

*There are three levels of opt in schools can choose from to enable the delivery of an ECF based induction. It is up to the headteacher to choose the approach that best suits the needs of their ECTs and mentors.

The three approaches or levels are:

• A funded provider led programme (Full Induction Programme) – Schools can choose to work with providers accredited by the Department for Education who will design and deliver a programme of face-to-face and online training to ECTs and their mentors. This programme is funded by the Department for Education.
• Schools deliver their own training using DfE accredited materials and resources (Core Induction Programme) – Schools use freely available DfE accredited materials, which includes ready to use materials and resources for new teachers and mentors, to deliver their own ECT and mentor support. These materials have been accredited by the Department for Education and quality assured by the Education Endowment Foundation.
• Schools design and deliver their own two-year induction programme for ECTs based on the ECF (school-based induction programme). Statutory guidance requires the Appropriate Body to quality assure schools choosing the ‘Core Induction Programme’ and the ‘School based Programme’ to a higher degree. This is reflected in our costings below.

An additional administration charge of £40 for each ECT will be incurred if Registration submissions (for beginning of term starters) are received late of the published deadline dates.

An additional administration charge of £40 for each ECT will be incurred if Progress Reviews and Assessments are received late of the published deadline dates.

If an ECT leaves part way through an induction year there will be no refund of registration charges.

Payment Schools will be invoiced for registrations and/or late submission administration charges within 30 days of the deadline dates for each term.

Payment should be received by SFE within 30 days of receipt of the invoice(s).

Helen Grundy - Adviser, Services For Education

Helen's journey began in 1998 when she proudly graduated with a first-class honour’s degree in English and Education Studies. Her time studying in Amsterdam at the Hogeschool Holland added a TESOL element to her degree, opening her eyes to international approaches to education.

Her teaching career in Staffordshire saw her excel in various roles, from subject leadership to SENCo and SLT. Helen's passion and dedication led her to become a Leading Maths Teacher, supporting colleagues and ultimately transitioning into consultancy and advisory roles.

Joining Services For Education in 2015 as an Education Adviser, Helen's initial focus on Maths Advising quickly expanded to include managing the highly successful Health for Life in Primary Schools programme and overseeing ECT Induction. Her expertise is also sought after for delivering parts of the nationally recognised NPQ suite of qualifications.

Helen's journey is not just a career, but a testament to her unwavering commitment to education and the betterment of schools and students.   

Dr Simone Whitehouse-James - Adviser, Services For Education

Simone's journey in the field of education is nothing short of remarkable. Armed with a deep passion for Religious Education, she has not only excelled in her own academic pursuits but has also dedicated herself to the betterment of the education system.

From her early days as a Head of Department leading RE in schools in Birmingham to her current role as an Education Advisor at Services For Education, Simone has constantly pushed the boundaries of her knowledge and expertise. Simone has also worked as a visiting lecturer on the Birmingham University RE PGDip course. Her commitment to the field is evident in her decision to pursue a PhD, delving into the unique approach to teaching RE in Birmingham.

But Simone's impact goes beyond just Religious Education. Her extensive knowledge of ITT and the Early Career Framework has allowed her to support teachers, school leaders, and governors in their professional development journey. As an Induction Manager and facilitator for the Best Practice Network, she plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of educators and school leaders.

Simone's dedication to her craft is unwavering, whether she's engaging with faith groups, acting as the drafting secretary for the Agreed Syllabus Conference, advising on curriculum development, or delivering nationally recognised CPD as part of the NPQ suite of qualifications. Her passion for education is truly inspiring, as she continues to push boundaries, challenge norms, and lead by example in the world of education.