Testimonials

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. It feels like a natural continuation of my initial teacher training, as I still have weekly mentor meetings and still set myself targets based on the Teacher’s Standards. It’s good to remind yourself that you’re still developing and there’s still so much support out there, especially when things get tough. Having a local community of ECTs who meet face-to-face and online is so reassuring, and it means you can share useful examples of good practice. I think I can safely say the ECF has made my first year of teaching more successful and enjoyable.

Being an ECF Facilitator is such a rewarding and enjoyable role.  I have worked with an enthusiastic group of ECTs from six local secondary schools and we hold two meetings per half term.  After each session, I am invigorated by the ECTs’ passion for their teaching and I am always struck by how much they care about their pupils.  This role is non-judgemental and the facilitator helps the ECTs to move from theory to practice.    Not only do you get to develop teachers, your own teaching will be challenged as you engage with the most up to date research.  It has been a pleasure to watch my group of ECTs grow and develop in confidence over the course of the year. 

I have found facilitating on the NPQ programmes a very rewarding process. The resources are of a very high quality. The sessions find the right balance between input from facilitator, valid research, the opportunity for participants to act upon the research and then quality time as a group to discuss/develop ideas that can be effectively implemented. Having the resources well in advance of the session allows me as a facilitator to prepare myself effectively but also adapt the session minorly to suit the context/experience of the cohort of facilitators. I feel I have improved as a facilitator and look forward to continuing to work with Inspire Learning Teaching School Hub.