Welcome

Hello! And welcome to this Early Career Teachers Programme newsletter.  We know that this half term tends to be super-busy, with school trips, exams, and general end-of-year shenanigans – but we would be remiss in our duty if we didn't remind you that your ECTs still need your support even (or especially) when every day brings more carefully controlled chaos. Please do make sure that your ECTs and mentors continue to meet, to attend their events, and to keep up with self-study. And for mentors, don't forget that you have your own coaching and development area on StepLab. It isn't just excellent CPD: the funding your school receives for induction is contingent on at least 75% completion of the mentor programme.

Nag over (sorry!), please read on for an update on NPQs; a step-by-step guide to registering September starters; some thoughts on what makes a great mentor; and much more.

Please do read this email carefully: it contains important information.

PLEASE READ THE SECTION OF THIS EMAIL THAT CORRESPONDS TO WHEN YOU/YOUR ECT BEGAN THE PROGRAMME.

Please also check out the news items below.

Spotlight on... NPQs

We are delighted to confirm that funding information for the autumn 2026 cohort of NPQs is now available. All four leadership NPQs (NPQH, NPQSL, NPQEYL, NPQ SENCO) are fully funded for participants from state-funded schools, Ofsted-registered nurseries and childminders, and those working in publicly-funded early years educational settings. For all other NPQs (NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, NPQLTD), funding is available for participants in schools on the eligibility list.

You can find out more about all of the different qualifications here.

Please note the following important information:

• Even for fully-funded qualifications, there is a limited number of spaces available. We recommend early application to secure your place.
• The Julian TSH may not be able to run the full suite of NPQs if there are not enough applications to make a viable cohort. If we are unable to run the qualification for which you have applies, we will recommend another provider.
• There are two steps to the application process:

1. Apply via the Ambition Institute website. Applications open on Monday 8 June.
2. Register with the DfE to confirm funding eligibility. You can do this from Tuesday 23 June.

As ever, you can find out more on our website, or by getting in touch.

Focus on... Registering September starters

Your step by step guide:

1. Let your ECT induction programme provider know that you wish to register with them. If that's us, get in touch.
2. Choose your Appropriate Body (AB) and let them know that you wish to register with them. If that's us, email us to request a service level agreement.
3. Identify your induction tutor and/or the person who will be registering your participants, and make sure they have access to Register Early Career Teachers (RECT) via DfE sign-in. Your school or trust will have a designated person who can approve access to RECT.
4. Register your ECT(s) and their mentor(s) on RECT. 
5. When your chosen AB confirms you can do so, register your ECT(s) on ECT Manager. Induction cannot begin until you have done this, and your AB has authorised the registration.
6. Your chosen ECT induction programme provider will receive the information that you have entered on RECT and will send you an email with next steps.

You can read more here.

Spotlight on... What makes a great mentor?

We wrote about what makes a great mentor earlier this year, and with new starters on the horizon, we thought we would refresh your memories!

Our look at the research showed that a great mentor is one with preferably five or more years in the profession, and someone who has enough time to fully engage with the mentoring process. Ensuring that mentors have access to their own high quality CPD is just as important as it is for ECTs – programme-specific training is provided as part of the ECTP, and it is vital that schools enable mentors to engage with this. 

Kate Atkins also wrote about the benefits to the mentor. Although her blog focused on mentoring trainees, the same benefits apply when mentoring an ECT. Our experience is that new mentors find the role energising and extremely motivating – it's great CPD for colleagues with leadership potential.

So, while you're thinking about how to welcome a new ECT to your organisation, it's worth thinking carefully about who you would like to be their mentor. It's an amazing opportunity for the right person!

Potential mentors can find out more here.

September 2026 starters upcoming sessions

Induction Tutors

• Programme launch and induction tutor training: 29 June, 1.30-4.30pm, online.

This training relates to both the ECTP and Appropriate Body.

New induction tutors are invited to this training, and existing induction tutors are welcome to attend as a refresher. If you have not yet been sent details of this training and would like to attend, please get in touch. 

January 2026 starters upcoming sessions

ECTs

• Clinic 3: 8, 10, 15 June online twilight.

ECTs have been invited to their clinic and sent joining instructions.

September 2025 starters upcoming sessions

ECTs

• Clinic 3: 8, 10, 15 June online twilight.

ECTs have been invited to their clinic and sent joining instructions.

January 2025 starters upcoming sessions

ECTs

• Clinic 6: 22, 23, 24 June, 2 July online twilight.

ECTs have been invited to their clinic and sent joining instructions.

September 2024 starters upcoming sessions

ECTs

• Clinic 6: 22, 23, 24 June, 2 July online twilight.

ECTs have been invited to their clinic and sent joining instructions.

Keep in touch

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