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Introduction to
​the SWIFT
Early Career Framework

Early Career Framework (ECF)

The Early Career Framework (ECF) came into effect in September 2021. It represents a significant change in support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs), providing a funded entitlement to a structured 2-year package of high-quality professional development and mentoring. The Early Career Framework is the evidence base which underpins this new entitlement for ECTs, setting out what all early career teachers should learn about, and learn how to do, during the first two years of their careers.

Our ECF Programme

The SWIFT Early Career Framework provides both ECTs and their mentors with a fully funded, two-year training programme. Underpinned by a world class curriculum that has been designed by our national partners Teach First, our programme also offers ECTs, mentors and their schools access to a range of additional unique SWIFT training, development and networking opportunities.

Why choose the SWIFT ECF Programme?

Core Benefits: A free, two-year high quality ECF training programme that is provided by Teach First. Designed by leading national experts it offers a world-class curriculum that is underpinned by the practices that evidence suggests have the most transformative impact on student outcomes.
  • The second year of the Teach First programme is unique in that it is delivered from a subject-specific perspective. Like ECTs, mentor will also have access to a supporting online learning platform.
  • Includes a full mentor training programme, structured around instructional coaching and deliberate practice.
  • Schools are given an additional £1600 per mentor to support mentor development.
  • Unlike other ECF routes, it is not subject to inspection by an Appropriate Body and therefore no additional cost.
Core Benefits of the SWIFT – Teach First ECF Programme
A free, two-year high quality ECF training programme that is provided by Teach First. Designed by leading national experts it offers a world-class curriculum that is underpinned by the practices that evidence suggests have the most transformative impact on student outcomes.  
 
The second year of the Teach First programme is unique in that it is delivered from a subject-specific perspective. Like ECTs, mentor will also have access to a supporting online learning platform.  
 
Includes a full mentor training programme, structured around instructional coaching and deliberate practice.  
 
Schools are given an additional £1600 per mentor to support mentor development.  
 
Unlike other ECF routes, it is not subject to inspection by an Appropriate Body and therefore no additional cost.     ​
SWIFT ECF Programme Enhancements
YEAR 1
  • SWIFT SEND enhancements to core Teach First material and additional SEND drop-in clinics
  • Greater flexibility through high-quality interactive video catch-up for seminars
  • Additional CPD offers for ECTs and schools (e.g. Racial Literacy Programme 2022)
  • End-of-year SWIFT ECT Conference that is also open to mentors and SLT Leads
  • Access to a new online networking and peer-support forum
  • Strong ongoing support and communication for ECTs, mentors and SLT leads, such as through the SWIFT ECF Newsletters

YEAR 2
All of the benefits of Year 1, plus…
​
  • Additional expert “development cycles” drop-in sessions to compliment Teach First’s unique
  • Year 2 subject-specific curriculum
  • A chance for Year 2 ECTs to participate in SWIFT’s school exchange programme
  • Access to SWIFT’s subject-based Professional Communities…
- Termly Events with Compelling Agendas
- Expert Speakers
- Expert Facilitation and Support
- Focus on Core Business
- Tools for Sharing Resources
SWIFT MAT Benefits
Please contact ecf@sw-ift.org.uk to find out how we can customise the ECF programme to your MAT requirements.

SWIFT Early Career Framework Programme & 
Appropriate Body Service 

For further information or general enquiries, please email ecf@sw-ift.org.uk