Appropriate Body FAQ 

 

1.  How does the induction period differ for part-time ECTs? 

Our appropriate body  can reduce the induction period for ECTs who are completing induction on a part-time basis. We will consider granting a reduced induction once the ECT has completed a period covering but not equivalent to two school years.   A pre-requisite for considering reduction will be that the ECT is considered to be meeting the teachers’ standards. In making this decision, our team will consult with the headteacher and must always gain the agreement of the ECT concerned. 

 

2.  Can an ECT’s induction be reduced if they have previous experience?  

 All ECTs are entitled to a two-year induction programme. Reductions to the length of induction are  only granted in exceptional circumstances  and are only to be appropriate for ECTs who have  significant experience of teaching prior to completing induction. As set out in the  Induction statutory guidance,  in exceptional individual cases, a headteacher or ECT might request a reduced induction period on the basis  that the ECT meets the Teachers’ Standards. This will need to be evidenced through the Xavier Teaching School hub ‘Application for Reduced Induction’, which is then supported with headteacher sponsorship, observation and professional discussion from a member of the central Xavier team, to decide if reducing the induction period is appropriate for the ECT. Cases are decided on an individual basis, the minimum period  that can be counted towards completion of the induction period (for both full-time and part-time ECTs) is  continuous employment equivalent to one term  (based on an institution that operates three terms in a school year). As it is important that the ECT is in post long enough to be able to receive sufficient monitoring and feedback and prepare for a fair and reasonable assessment of their performance. Xavier appropriate body can therefore reduce the length of the induction period to a  minimum of one term  (at our discretion). 

 

3.  Can induction be extended for an ECT? 

If the Xavier appropriate body decides  that an ECT’s performance has not satisfactorily met the relevant standards at the end of the 2-year ECF induction, after consultation with the school, it may be deemed the ECT needs more time to meet the Teachers’ Standards.  This may result an extension to their induction. Each case must be decided on its own merits, but situations where an extension is deemed reasonable could include: 

• the ECT’s induction period has been disrupted due to personal crises, illness, or disability. 

• the ECT has not received the necessary support during induction. 

• there is insufficient evidence for an informed decision to be made about whether the ECT’s performance against the Teachers’ Standards is satisfactory. 

Failure to successfully complete an induction period will prevent the ECT being employed as a teacher in any school where statutory induction is mandatory and nor are they able to repeat induction.  

 

4.  What happens if an ECT leaves the role during induction? 

When an ECT leaves a post after completing one term or more the induction tutor or headteacher is expected to complete an interim assessment. This is expected to take place before the ECT leaves their post to ensure that the ECT’s progress and performance since the last assessment are captured. This is especially important where concerns about progress may have arisen. 

 

5. What evidence does an ECT need to keep to demonstrate progress against the Teachers’ Standards?

ECTs are not required to keep a portfolio of evidence for their induction. 

The statutory guidance says:

“Evidence for assessments must be drawn from the ECT’s work as a teacher during their induction. To ensure evidence gathering is not burdensome for the ECT, formal assessment meetings should be informed by evidence gathered during progress reviews and assessment periods leading up to the formal assessment. This will consist of existing documents and working documents. There is no need for the ECT to create anything new for the formal assessment, they should draw from their work as a teacher and from their induction programme. Judgements made during the induction period should relate directly to the Teachers’ Standards and should not be made against the ECF.”

Evidence should therefore be in the form of working documents – the ECT’s planner (hard copy or online, lesson presentations and materials, mark book or data spreadsheets etc). 

 

6.  How do I know when the reports are due?

Reports are always due two weeks before the end of term.  This is for full-time ECTs who started induction at the beginning of a term.  If the ECT is part-time or started between terms, they may have different deadlines, but you can always see when a report is due on the ECT’s home page in ECT Manager.

 

7.  What happens if an ECT goes on maternity leave?

Maternity leave doesn’t count as absence.  An ECT can choose to have their time on maternity leave count towards their induction period, or they can choose to extend their induction by the number of days they were on leave.   Please let us know when your ECT goes on maternity leave and when they return so that we can pause them on our system and support them on their return.

 

8. I gained QTS through the assessment only route, can I complete induction in less that 2-years?

ECTs who gained QTS through the assessment only route are eligible for a reduced induction period. If this is the case, please contact us to complete the application for a reduced induction process. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis and made final by the Appropriate Body.

 

9. What is the difference between the AB and the ECTE provider?

• The Appropriate Body oversees and quality assures statutory induction.
• The Lead Provider/Delivery Partner delivers the Early Career Framework (ECF) training programme.

They work in partnership, but have distinctive roles.

 

10. What happens if an ECT is absent?

If an ECT is absent for 30 or more school days, the induction period is extended to ensure sufficient time is served. This includes absences due to illness or other extended breaks.

 

11. What will trigger a quality assurance visit from us as an AB?

The AB may visit schools if:

• Concerns are raised about the quality of induction.
• Progress reviews or assessments lack sufficient evidence.
• An ECT is at risk of not meeting the Teachers’ Standards.
• The school is delivering a school-led induction programme rather than using a funded provider-led option.

 

12. Can an  ECT change schools during their induction?

Yes. Induction can continue in another school if:

• The school is eligible to host induction.
• The ECT is re-registered with an AB.
• Records of progress are transferred to the new school.