27th May 2021

Early Careers Framework Reforms: The Impact On Schools & Teachers

The Early Careers Framework is finally set to shake up support for early career teachers this September. Reforms have been a long time in the making – teachers and educators have been working with the Department For Education to structure a two-year package of high-quality professional development. We’ve broken down the new Early Careers Framework, what it means for teachers and schools as well as how we can help and support both our candidates and school leaders make this important transition.

What Is The Early Career Framework?

The Early Careers Framework will fully replace current post-initial teacher training with a standardised training programme. Instead of completing one NQT year, the Early Career Framework involves a new, two year period of professional development. The additional year of support and mentorship will hopefully prepare teachers more effectively for the classroom of the future, improving teacher retention and bringing more modern education research to the forefront of early career teacher training and development.

How Will The Early Careers Framework Impact Teachers?

Newly qualified teachers will benefit significantly from the change. The new framework will set every aspect of what new teachers must learn. NQT’s must learn about all areas of teaching, from classroom strategies to adaptive teaching, assessments and behaviour management. In previous years, teachers have received a year of support from a school-based mentor. The new, second year of additional support and structured learning will enable teachers to grow in confidence, experience and teaching knowledge

As well as an increase in support, newly qualified teachers on the Early Careers Framework will also have a reduced timetable for the full two years, allowing additional time for mentor meetings, training sessions or observations.  The framework lays out in clear terms what teachers need to know before they can qualify as a teacher. At the end of the two years, teachers will be assessed against the Teaching Standards as they are now, but with an extra year of mentorship and support under their belt. 

How Will The Early Careers Framework Impact Schools?

The benefits to schools are clear from those that took part in the early rollout of the reforms. Schools are seeing the benefit of standardised training and an extended period to nurture their early career teachers. Schools will have to commit to a longer training period and provide mentorship for the full two years but the opportunity to develop the mentor relationship further alongside a clear and consistent curriculum will appeal to those seeking leadership experience.  In the long run, it’s predicted that more prepared teachers will significantly improve retention rates in the sector – a major driving force for the changes.

READ MORE: 7 Great Reasons To Hire Graduates

How Can Engage Support Teachers And Schools?

We are already really proud of our Teacher Training Programme. O ur programme is distinct, as it enables trainees to initially work as a member of support staff/intervention staff, before starting their Teaching Apprenticeship with the National School of Education and Teaching (NSET) at Coventry University. Our 2-phase approach has even more benefits when applied to the Early Careers Framework reforms. Here’s why:

• The initial phase of our programme allows schools to trial a trainee before committing to their ITT. For schools worried about the increased commitment required by training teachers, the opportunity to test-drive trainees will be a huge benefit.
• Schools can observe a trainee’s fit during our initial phase as they work in support or intervention roles, supporting struggling pupils or helping teachers to manage larger classes. The experience gained in Phase 1 will support stronger progression and success in a trainee’s initial teacher training.

It’s widely accepted that the Early Career Framework will standardise training and support for newly qualified teachers. It will produce more experienced, more prepared teachers with a broad knowledge base of modern teaching methods. Future reforms will see training and development for teachers to progress their career into teaching specialisms, opening up opportunities for those who don’t see themselves in management or leadership roles but want career progression options. In 2022, NSET will be launching a Master’s Programme for NQT’s to do as part of their Early Career Framework. Trainees that do their teaching apprenticeship with NSET will be awarded Masters credits towards their Master’s Degree.  The expected impact of a consistent, structured and research-led training programme will be hugely positive for the future of teaching and education.  We truly believe that these changes will have long-reaching and sustainable benefits that will improve the education and teaching landscape.

Tell us what you think on twitter! We’d love to hear your views on the Early Careers Framework and how you think it will help those training to teach.