Whether you're about to begin your ECT year or you've just accepted your first permanent teaching post, it's completely normal to feel nervous. Starting your first teaching job can feel daunting. 

Every teacher remembers those final few days before term starts. Questions about lesson planning, behaviour management, workload and whether you're "ready" are all part of the experience, but you won't be expected to figure everything out on your own!

Your ECT induction is designed to support you through your first two years of teaching, helping you build confidence in the classroom with structured mentoring, professional development and protected time to develop your practice.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly how ECT induction works, answer the questions Early Career Teachers ask most often, and share practical advice to help you get the best possible start to your teaching career.

ECT induction at a glance

If you're looking for the quick overview, here's what you need to know:

• ECT induction lasts two years for most full-time teachers.
• You'll receive a 10% timetable reduction in Year 1 and 5% in Year 2.
• Every Early Career Teacher is supported by an induction tutor and a mentor.
• You'll complete regular progress reviews and two formal assessments.
• Most teachers successfully complete ECT induction with support provided by their school.

What is an ECT?

An Early Career Teacher (ECT) is a teacher who has completed Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), but is still completing their statutory induction period.

Before September 2021, Early Career Teachers were known as Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs). The induction period was extended from one year to two years to give teachers more structured support during the early stages of their career.

Today, every eligible teacher completing statutory induction follows the ECT programme.

What is ECT induction?

ECT induction is a statutory two-year programme that supports new teachers as they move from training into full-time teaching.

It combines mentoring, professional development and regular assessment to help Early Career Teachers develop confidence and meet the Teachers' Standards.

Since September 2025, the training element has been based on the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF), which replaced the Early Career Framework (ECF).

How does ECT induction work?

Although every school delivers its induction programme slightly differently, the overall structure remains the same.

ECT Year 1

During your first year, you'll benefit from:

• a 10% reduction to your teaching timetable
• regular mentor meetings
• classroom observations
• professional development linked to the Early Career Framework
• progress reviews throughout the year
• a formal assessment at the end of Year 1

This first year is designed to help you establish routines, build confidence and develop your classroom practice with plenty of support.

ECT Year 2

In your second year, you'll continue to receive structured support, including:

• a 5% reduction to your timetable
• ongoing mentoring
• continued professional development
• regular progress reviews
• a final formal assessment at the end of induction

By this stage, many teachers feel more confident managing their workload and refining their own teaching style while still benefiting from experienced guidance.

How are ECTs assessed?

ECTs are assessed against the Teachers' Standards, but the process is designed to be supportive rather than intimidating.

Throughout induction, your progress is reviewed regularly. These reviews help identify strengths, celebrate progress and highlight any areas where additional support might be beneficial.

There are two formal assessment points: one at the end of Year 1, and one at the end of Year 2. It's important to remember that Year 1 isn't simply "pass or fail". If concerns arise, schools are expected to provide additional support and guidance before any formal decisions are made. The vast majority of ECTs successfully complete induction with the support available to them.

If concerns arise during your induction, your school should identify these as early as possible and work with you to put additional support in place. The aim of the induction process is to help you succeed, not catch you out, and any concerns should be addressed through mentoring, observations and agreed support before formal decisions are made. 

You shouldn't be expected to create a separate portfolio purely for assessment. Instead, formal assessments are based on your day-to-day teaching, observations and progress reviews. 

Top tips for your ECT year

The practical side of your ECT year is often very different from teacher training. You'll quickly develop routines, discover what works for your pupils and build confidence with every lesson. These tips from experienced teachers can help make those first two years a little smoother. 

Don't be afraid to ask for help

No teacher has all the answers - especially in their first few years!

Your mentor and induction tutor are there to support you, but don't underestimate the value of your wider staff body too. Experienced colleagues have almost certainly faced the same challenges you're experiencing and will often have practical solutions that save you time and reduce stress.

If you're finding things particularly difficult, remember there are organisations dedicated to supporting teachers' wellbeing. Education Support is a dedicated charity for teachers and education staff; they have a helpline and lots of resources to help. 

Get to know your school's routines

Every school works differently. Spending time getting familiar with key policies and day-to-day routines early on will make life much easier as the year progresses.

Pay particular attention to:

• behaviour expectations
• safeguarding procedures
• marking and feedback policies
• attendance systems
• reporting processes

Knowing where to find information, and who to ask, can save a huge amount of time later on.

Build your professional network

Teaching can sometimes feel isolating, but there's a huge online community of educators sharing ideas, resources and encouragement.

Instagram has become a great place to discover classroom inspiration, teaching strategies and practical ideas for all aspects of teaching such as displays, lesson activities and more.

Facebook is also home to thousands of teacher communities, including subject-specific groups, Early Career Teacher groups and local education networks where teachers share advice, resources and answer questions.

Try new approaches and don't be afraid if they don't all work

Your ECT years are designed for learning. Experiment with different teaching strategies, routines and classroom techniques. Some ideas will become part of your everyday practice; others won't suit your style or your pupils. That's completely normal.

The most effective teachers are reflective practitioners who are always willing to adapt, improve and keep learning.

Find a work-life balance that works for you

There's no single "right" way to manage teacher workload. Some teachers prefer arriving early. Others stay later and keep evenings free. Some batch planning into one afternoon, while others work little and often. Use your ECT years to find a routine that's sustainable for you.

Make your classroom work yours

If you have your own classroom, make it a space that supports your teaching. Organise resources so they're easy to access, establish routines that work for you and don't be afraid to adapt seating plans or layouts as you discover what works best with different classes. Your classroom doesn't need to look perfect, it just needs to function well for you and your pupils.

Not sure where to start with your classroom?

Our guide to successful classroom prep covers practical tips for getting organised. And a free downloadable checklist as a starter for ten!

Read the blog

Look after yourself

Teaching is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Make time for the things that help you recharge, whether that's exercise, hobbies, spending time with family or simply switching off for the evening. And if you're unwell, don't feel guilty about taking time to recover.

Remember, one difficult lesson or challenging week doesn't define you as a teacher. Every teacher has moments of self-doubt, but your wellbeing matters just as much as your professional development.

If you're struggling to separate your self-worth from your teaching, Charlie (The Teachers’ Health Coach) explains how to redefine self-worth in teaching, why so many teachers feel this way and shares practical advice for building a healthier mindset.

Frequently asked questions about ECT induction

What is an ECT induction?

ECT induction is the statutory two-year programme that supports Early Career Teachers after they gain Qualified Teacher Status. It combines mentoring, professional development, classroom observations and formal assessments to help teachers develop their practice.

How long do I have to complete my ECT induction?

For most full-time teachers, ECT induction takes two academic years. If you work part-time, it will usually take longer as the induction is completed over the equivalent period of full-time service.

Do ECTs get observed by Ofsted?

If your school is inspected during your induction, inspectors may speak to ECTs about their experience and how well the school supports them, but they are not individually graded or assessed by Ofsted.

How many teachers fail ECT induction?

Most ECTs complete the programme successfully, particularly when they engage with the support, mentoring and professional development available throughout their induction.

If you're not making satisfactory progress during Year 1, this doesn't automatically mean you've failed your ECT induction. Your school should explain any concerns clearly, agree appropriate support with you and give you opportunities to improve throughout the remainder of your induction. The final decision isn't made until the end of your statutory induction period and there should be no surprises.

Can I do my ECT year in a nursery?

Yes. Statutory induction can be completed in maintained nursery schools and some other eligible settings. Not every nursery setting is eligible to offer statutory induction, so it's worth checking with the school or appropriate body before accepting a role. 

Is there a time limit on completing your ECT induction?

There is no general deadline for starting or completing your ECT induction, and your QTS doesn't expire if you take longer to finish it.

However, different rules apply if you're undertaking short-term supply teaching before completing induction, so it's worth checking the latest statutory guidance if this applies to you.

What happens if you don't meet the requirements in ECT Year 1?

Year 1 isn't a simple pass-or-fail checkpoint. If concerns are identified, your school should work with you to provide additional support, mentoring and opportunities to improve before your final assessment at the end of induction.

When did ECT replace NQT?

The ECT programme replaced the Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) induction programme in September 2021, extending statutory induction from one year to two years and introducing a structured programme of mentoring and professional development.

Can I change schools during my ECT induction?

Yes. If you move to another eligible school during your ECT induction, the induction you've already completed usually counts towards your overall induction period. Your new school and the appropriate body will work together to ensure your induction continues without you needing to start again.