From September 2025 the Early Career Training Entitlement (ECTE) will replace the ECF as the programme title and the training programmes have been realigned to encompass the statutory framework in the ITTECF.

We have thoroughly interrogated the proposed offers from the accredited providers and developed a range of options that we are confident will best support the schools across the region. 

We are delighted to share our offer three high-quality options for delivering the ECTE, ensuring your early career teachers receive the best possible support and development. 

Option 1: Trust-Led Bespoke Delivery Model

Empowering Trusts, Supporting Growth: Tailored ECT Provision with Expert Guidance 

For Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) with 20+ ECTs

• Contextualise and deliver a bespoke ECTE programme tailored to your trust’s needs
• Flexibility to align training with your trust’s vision and values
• Supported by Three Rivers Teaching School Hub to ensure fidelity to the ECTE
• Greater control over content delivery and scheduling

Option 2 : National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) Model

Innovative, practice-based teacher development 

• Led by experienced teacher educators with a deep understanding of the profession
• Focus on real-world application, with practical strategies for classroom success
• Access to a international network of educators who deliver training and provide peer support
• Emphasis on continuous improvement and reflective practice through instructional coaching
• Minimised disruption to teaching using a contextualised and flexible delivery model to support teacher wellbeing

Read the full model here.

Watch the video explanation here.

Option 3: Ambition Institute Delivery Model

Evidence-based, structured training for ECTs and mentors

• Research-driven curriculum designed to enhance teaching effectiveness
• Interactive, blended learning approach with expert facilitation
• Dedicated support for mentors to improve instructional coaching skills
• Proven track record in improving teacher retention and impact

Read the full model here.

Watch the video explanation here.

Which model is right for your school?

Please contact us today to arrange a 1:1 session to explore the best option for your school.

The Full Induction Programme models delivered through the Three Rivers TSH continue to be funded by DfE for eligible institutions, including backfill payments for mentor and ECT release time. This funding is paid directly to schools by DFE. ECTE training remains free for all schools. 

Teachers are eligible for funding if they:

• have obtained Qualified Teacher (QTS) status

• started induction on or after 1 September 2021

Teachers who have obtained Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, are not required to take part in this programme and do not qualify for funding. Schools that are not accredited for Section 41 funding, or are nurseries, are not eligible for Early Career Framework (ECF) funding from the Department for Education (DfE). This includes independent schools, Welsh establishments, and British schools overseas.

How funding works 

Schools are funded to cover ECT time off timetable and mentor support during the 2-year early career teacher entitlement (ECTE). Funding comes from 2 sources. 

This normally means: 

• year 1 funding comes from the core funding your school gets through the dedicated schools grant (DSG) 
• year 2 funding comes from additional support from the DfE (we call this ‘grant funding’) - for academies and others the DfE pay this to your school directly or, if you’re a maintained school, your local authority will pass the funding to you

The DfE also funds ECT and mentor training given by the lead provider, paid directly to the lead provider.

Funding to schools:

• Per Early Career Teacher: £1,400 to fund 5% off timetable in the second year of induction for all early career teachers in state schools (paid in arrears at the end of the second year of induction)
• Per mentor: £1000 to fund time for mentors to support ECTs in the second year of induction in state schools (20 hours) (paid in arrears at the end of the second year of induction)

Mentor training funding for September 2025 onwards 

Grant funding for mentor training is available to schools and establishments that use DfE funded training providers to deliver training as part of the ECTE. 

Mentors will be given up to 20 hours to carry out mentor training for one year. Schools will be funded to support the mentor to undertake the training. 

Find out more about funding and eligibility for our ECT training programmes here.

Step 1 - register with Appropriate Body

ECTs must firstly be registered for statutory induction. Please do this via ECT manager - https://threerivers.ectmanager.com/Login.aspx 

As soon as you have registered your ECT, we will be able to confirm and register them with the Teacher Regulation Agency. 

Once registered, the system will notify you when assessments need to be completed and there is a personalised dashboard each time you login to flag any outstanding documentation. If you have any problems with the service, please do not hesitate to contact the hub at teachingschool.hub@the3rivers.net

To complete the registration process, you will need to ensure you have the following information:

• Name, address and contact details for the ECT
• QTS certification, including TRN number
• Current school employment
• ECT induction tutor details (typically the headteacher or a member of leadership)
• ECT Mentor contact details
• Contract type (full time / part time)
• Early Career Framework programme (e.g. Ambition, EDT, UCL etc..)
• Any previous appropriate body registrations for the ECT

Step 2 - register with DfE

Please register ECTs for an April 2025 start on the ECT programme from  1st March 2025.

You will then need to register your ECTs on the DfE portal.  All ECTs and Mentors need to be registered on the DfE portal - https://manage-training-for-early-career-teachers.education.gov.uk/users/sign_in  

The nominated Induction Tutor at your school should have access to the system. If you need any support, please contact the DfE at  continuing-professional-development@digital.education.gov.uk 

We have created a bank of help guides to ensure this registration goes smoothly. They can be found here.

To nominate a new induction tutor use this link.

Step 3 -contact us to confirm your choice of lead provider (NiOT or Ambition)

To do this, email ect@the3rivers.net.

If your school is transferring ECTs who started their ECT training already with another provider in 2022, 2023 or 2024, please see this guidance. If your trust is moving a number of schools over, please contact us.

The alignment of the AB service and ECF delivery is an advantage that the Three Rivers Teaching School Hub can offer. You can find out more about our Appropriate Body here.

These DfE guides explain the roles and responsibilities for the following people involved in the early career teacher entitlement:

• Headteacher
• Induction Tutor
• Mentor

Details are published online by DfE, including statutory guidance and the financial arrangements for schools.

Please contact us via ect@the3rivers.net or 01670 501 537 if we can support you in any way or to arrange a meeting about our ECT offer. We are always happy to help.