Early Career Teacher Entitlement FAQs

What about ECTs currently completing an ECF-based programme?

These changes won’t impact the majority of ECTs who are currently completing an ECF-based training programme. ECTs or mentors who start training before 1 September 2025 should:  

• continue to use the same course and materials until August 2027  
• move to training based on the ITTECF from September 2027 if they’ve not completed by August 2027  

What support is available to previously trained mentors from September 2025?

Mentors who completed a mentor training programme prior to September 2025 as part of a provider-led ECF-based programme will not be eligible for the new mentor training programmes from September 2025. However, all mentors, including those previously trained as part of an ECF-based programme, will as a minimum have access to the mentor training materials which are included as part of the provider-led programmes, which they can use to refresh themselves as needed.

  
All mentors also have access to the mentor session materials as part of the provider-led programmes based on the ITTECF. Mentor session materials will support the regular mentoring sessions and engagement between the ECT and their mentor on the content of the ITTECF

 
Does this affect any funding my setting receives?

There are no planned changes to the current funding arrangements, except in relation to the streamlining of mentor training; as the mentor training for new mentors is being shortened from two years to one year, the amount of funding eligible schools receive to backfill their mentors time will be reduced to reflect that. However, the required time for training will continue to be covered in full.

  
Which providers are offering the DfE-funded training programmes?

The following lead providers offer funded provider-led training for ECTs from September 2025: Ambition Institute, Education Development Trust, National Institute of Teaching, Teach First and UCL Institute of Education

 
Which providers are offering the freely available school-led materials?

For delivery from September 2025, school-led materials based on the ITTECF will be provided by National Institute of Teaching and UCL Institute of Education via their own platforms: Materials for school-led ECT Programme 2025/26 – The National Institute of Teaching and CEL - The Source - Home