Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF)

The introduction of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) is a big step forward in more closely aligning Initial Teacher Training with early career development in line with the DfE Golden Thread strategy for teacher development. It outlines the 3-year progression and support package that all teachers are entitled to, helping them to build the strongest foundation for a long and successful career in education.

From September 2025, all new early career teachers will access an Early Career Teacher Programme (ECTP) and Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) that is underpinned by the updated framework.

Funding

All schools and settings supporting ECTs with induction receive funding through the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) in Year 1 and through additional 'DfE Grant Funding' in Year 2. This enables schools to deliver the ECTE by funding

• Timetable reductions for ECTs to complete self-directed study and ITTECF-based training.
• Access to a trained Mentor who will delivery high-quality guidance and advice through instructional coaching.

Where Mentors are engaged with provider-led ITTECF Mentor training, additional funding support is paid to schools and settings through 'DfE Backfill Payments'. This is paid pro rata at the end of the academic year.

Schools and settings with Mentors who commenced training before September 2025 are eligible for a 2-year funded programme (equivalent to 36 hours).

New ITTECF Mentors commencing training after September 2025 will complete a 1-year funded programme (equivalent to 20 hours) and schools will be eligible for funding to support this. 

Full details of funding for ECTs and Mentors can be found here.

The 'Golden Thread' of Teacher Development

Teachers are the foundation of the education system. The Government’s ‘golden thread of teacher development’ allows Teaching School Hubs to deliver a world-class system for teachers and school leaders at every stage of their career by transforming their training and support. The ECTE forms an integral part of the DfE's Teacher Recruitment and Retention strategy. SFET TSHub aims to provide all colleagues with career-long, high-quality professional development to support them to achieve their goals.