Inspire Learning TSH NW’s ECF retention rate surpasses national average

In September 2021, the first cohort of Early Career Teachers (ECTs) embarked on the Early
Career Framework (ECF), a programme created by the Department for Education (DfE)
designed to improve the experience of ECTs and ultimately provide students with an even
better education.

The Early Career Framework ensures that all new teachers complete a two-year induction
period and undergo several professional development activities and tasks.

In partnership with the world-class University College London (UCL), Inspire Learning
Teaching School Hub NW is a proud delivery partner of the ECF after being selected as the
DfE-nominated hub for Liverpool and the Wirral.

Across Liverpool and Wirral, the hub supports 290 schools and has had over 1250 Early
Careers Framework participants.

The Early Career Framework is split into two assessed years. For Inspire, the retention rate
from cohort 1, 2021 into 2022, was at a record high, exceeding DfE targets by 18%. This
bodes well for the retention rates of teachers in the profession specifically across Liverpool
and Wirral and exemplifies the strength of the programme delivered by Inspire Learning in
partnership with UCL.

The hub is extremely thrilled to share that 93% of its ECT participants chose to remain on
the programme with Inspire as their provider, surpassing the DfE benchmark rate of 75%.

This incredible achievement demonstrates the successful engagement strategies
implemented by the whole team.

Inspire Learning TSH NW’s engagement was also recently recognised by the Teaching
School Hubs Council, who invited Jane Kennedy, director of the hub, to deliver an impulse
on recruitment and engagement discussion at its Power of 87 event in April.

ECTs who are learning or have learnt with Inspire have stated that they have been pleased
with the progress made and the positive effect on their career.

Charlotte Rowan, an Early Career Teacher who enrolled on Inspire’s delivery of the ECF,
said: “I was initially unsure what the new Early Career Framework would include, but now
I’ve reached the final term of my first ECT year, I can see how it has supported my
development.”

“I think I can safely say the ECF has made my first year of teaching more successful and
enjoyable.”

To deliver the Early Career Framework, the hub recruits facilitators who have experienced
backgrounds in the teaching sector – whether that be as long-time teachers, middle leaders,
or senior leaders. They partake in online and face-to-face sessions with ECTs on the
programme, sharing their expertise and using materials prepared by UCL to provide
impactful and informative mentoring.

Director of Inspire Learning TSH NW, Jane Kennedy, commented: “It is thanks to our
fantastic facilitators who deliver the ECF that has made this possible. Their experience in
education and dedication to supporting the next generation of teachers is invaluable, and
they have supported our ECTs immensely.

“Of course, it is also the result of hard work from our ECTs, who continue to show great
passion and care for their role as teachers. We look forward to the rest of their journeys in
teaching. Our team is very proud.”