Support For Early Career Teachers

 At Ferryhill school, we are committed to providing a high-quality induction experience for Early Career Teachers (ECTs), recognising that the early years of teaching are crucial for professional growth and long-term success. Our ECT induction programme is built upon the Early Career Framework (ECF), ensuring that every new teacher receives the support, training, and mentoring necessary to develop their skills and confidence in the classroom. By creating a structured and nurturing environment, we enable ECTs to meet professional standards while fostering a passion for teaching.

Our induction programme includes:

• A structured two-year induction period, providing time for reflection and professional growth.

• A reduced teaching timetable to allow for additional training and development.

• Dedicated support from an induction tutor and an induction mentor, both with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• Regular classroom observations, with constructive feedback to guide improvement.

• Opportunities to observe and learn from experienced teachers, both within our school and through external partnerships.

To ensure our ECTs develop in the best possible way, we utilise Steplab, a powerful coaching and mentoring tool. Steplab provides over 1,000 improvement steps, each with clear success criteria, classroom video models, and rehearsal tasks. Its unique coaching engine allows for personalised mentoring, ensuring support is consistently high quality. Lessons and mentoring sessions can be securely recorded and stored, enabling meaningful reflection and long-term development tracking. With Steplab, we can assess progress against the curriculum, assign development goals, and ensure that every ECT receives tailored, evidence-based support.

We work closely with Teach First and NELT as our ECT induction providers, ensuring that our programme aligns with best practices and national standards. Our collaboration with these respected organisations guarantees access to high-quality resources, expert mentorship, and ongoing professional learning opportunities for ECTs. Regular progress reviews and formal assessments help to track development, identify strengths, and provide additional support where needed. By investing in the professional development of our ECTs, we are investing in the future of education. Our commitment to excellence in teacher induction reflects our belief that well-supported teachers create inspiring learning environments, ultimately benefiting both our students and the wider school community.