The SecEd Podcast: Teacher training & induction: Navigating the ITT-ECF

This podcast discusses teacher training and induction, offering practical advice for trainee and early career teachers (ECTs) and their mentors.

Our expert panel explores the Department for Education’s new Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework – due to come into effect in September 2025.

The combined ITT-ECF sets out what trainee and ECTs need to know – and know how to do – at the start of their careers and the panel discuss what is in the new combined framework and how it might work in practice, including how the distinct ITT and ECF elements will work together and key elements such as SEND and inclusive practice.

We also touch upon the eight standards within the framework and invite our guests to pick out some of the elements crucial to meeting these standards.

We discuss the transition from being a trainee teacher to being an ECT, including how trainees can best be supported to progress from trainee to ECT and then to successfully complete their induction and become fully qualified.

We offer advice on a number of specific issues, including how ECTs can manage their priorities and embed themselves into their new schools as well as advice for trainees when applying for their first teaching job, among other “top tips” for new teachers.

Our panel also discusses mentorship – what skills do good ECT mentors need and what support should they be offering to new teachers? What should new teachers expect from their mentors?