Statutory guidance on induction for early career teachers (ECTs) came into force in September 2021, and has been updated for September 2023. This guidance and the term 'ECT' replaces old guidance and wording on 'NQTs'.
The early career induction (ECI) period is statutory
The ECI period is a 2-year induction programme, underpinned by the Early Career Framework (ECF) (see the section below).
The period may be extended by the appropriate body (see section 5) for reasons including:
- Personal crises
- Illness
- Disability
- Issues around the support during induction
- Where there's not enough documentation to make a decision about the ECT's performance
To teach in maintained schools
- All teachers must have completed or (be working towards) an ECI period
- Where teachers have significant experience before entering the maintained sector for the first time, the appropriate body may choose to reduce the induction period to a minimum of 1 term
An ECI period is