Employing an ECT? Click on the links to register now
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What training options do schools have?
From September 2025 the Early Career Training Entitlement (ECTE) replaced 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 : 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
Watch the video explanation here.
Option 2: 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
Watch the video explanation here.
Option 3: 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
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.
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Funding
The ECT programmes delivered through the Three Rivers TSH continue to be funded by DfE for eligible institutions, including funding for mentor and ECT release time as well as mentor training. This funding is paid directly to schools by DFE*.
ECTs should be eligible for DfE funding if they:
- hold qualified teacher status (QTS)
- start their ECTE on or after 1 September 2021
- work in an eligible school or establishment
ECTs who started their one year induction before 1 September 2021 but did not complete it by 31 August 2023 should take up the 2-year ECTE. They’re eligible for DfE-funded training and mentor support for the remainder of their induction period.
ECTs with qualified teacher learning and skills status (QTLS) are not eligible for DfE funding because they’re exempt from statutory induction.
How funding works
Schools are funded to cover ECTs’ 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 to cover the cost of 10% off timetable should come from core funding or equivalent (for example, DSG, general annual grant, 16 to 19 funding, or place funding)
- year 2 funding comes from additional support from the DfE (we call this ‘grant funding’) – for academies and others, we pay this to your school directly or, if you’re a maintained school, your local authority will pass the funding to you
If your school is eligible and uses a lead provider, we also fund ECT and mentor training given by the lead provider. We pay this to the lead provider directly.
Year 1 funding
Schools should use their core funding from the DSG or equivalent to fund the ECT’s first year of their entitlement.
Core funding is not ‘earmarked’ for ECTE, but headteachers should use it to cover the cost of the ECT’s 10% time off timetable.
Year 2 funding
Year 2 funding is covered by grant funding. Schools will get a one-off payment at the end of the ECT’s second academic year.
Year 2 grant funding covers the cost of each ECT’s:
- 5% time off timetable
- 20 hours of mentor support
We calculate funding using the average hourly rate for mentors and ECTs, split by region.
Read more about funding for time off timetable for ECTs and mentors.
Funding to schools:
- Per Early Career Teacher: £1,100 to fund 5% off timetable in the second year of induction for all early career teachers in eligible schools (paid in arrears at the end of the second year of induction)
- Per mentor: £700 to fund time for mentors to support ECTs in the second year of induction in eligible 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.
This funding will be paid in arrears at the end of each academic year. Payments will be based on evidence that the mentor took part in the training, as confirmed by the lead provider.
Mentors can only do this training once. They can continue their training even if their ECT transfers school or withdraws partway through their ECTE.
Find out more about funding and eligibility for our ECT training programmes here.
*Subject to DfE updates
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How to register
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
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 ECTP delivery is an advantage that the Three Rivers Teaching School Hub can offer. You can find out more about our Appropriate Body here.
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Roles and responsibilities
These DfE guides explain the roles and responsibilities for the following people involved in the early career teacher entitlement:
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Further guidance
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.