Early Career Framework

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Introduction to
the SWIFT
Early Career Teacher Programme

Early Career Teacher Programme (ECTP)

From September 2025, the DfE have implemented a transition from the Early Career Framework (ECF) to the Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) which marks a significant evolution in the support provided to Early Career Teachers (ECTs). The Early Career Teacher Programme (ECTP) is designed to build on the foundations laid by the ECF, offering a carefully sequenced curriculum of training and professional development.

As we wait for information from the DfE regarding the induction registration process for the September 2025 cohort, please use the above registration link for any new ECTs joining your school from September 2025. We will use this information to keep you informed of next steps.

For more information or assistance regarding our ECTP programme or registering ECTs, please email [email protected].

Our ECTP Programme

The SWIFT Early Career Teacher Programme provides ECTs with a fully funded, two-year training programme and Mentors with a fully funded one-year training programme. SWIFT has chosen the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) as our lead ECTP provider.

NIoT is a sector-leading organisation with a reputation for excellence in teacher education and professional development. The programme is powered by ongoing, school-led research conducted by NIoT's in-house research team and continues to provide SWIFT with the flexibility to shape delivery which is best suited to the region.

Why choose the SWIFT ECTP Programme?

Since September 2021, around 4500 ECTs and Mentors from across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay have begun their Early Career Teacher and Mentor journey with SWIFT. The SWIFT team brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to excellence.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and providing high-quality support throughout the ECTP. Coupled with our designated Appropriate Body expertise, SWIFT offers a coherent package for schools.

Core Benefits of the SWIFT – NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TEACHING ECTP Programme

Highly contextualised materials from EYFS through to KS5 with exemplification. Accessible to all learners in written, video and audio resource formats. Mentor-specific support to contextualise and model the content for their ECT as part of their training and study throughout.
The programme offers flexible development pathways which align with school/Trust priorities and diagnostics which enable personalised learning for each ECT to meet their needs.
The ECTP offers significant workload reduction and focus on ECT wellbeing. The mentor programme has been reduced to one year and ECTS access a unique wellbeing tool which is regularly updated providing the opportunity to offer ECTs a helping hand when needed. The programme is underpinned by effective digital systems that make life easier, minimising additional administration.
The SWIFT NIoT ECTP is powered by ongoing school led research through the NIoT in-house research team which helps to shape the design and delivery of the programme. The NIoT are highly responsive to any feedback or learnings from research, adapting the programme quickly to continually improve the offer for ECTs and Mentors.
National Expert Webinars are held across the programme each term with leading, international experts such as Kate Jones and Alex Quigley. ECTs have the opportunity to ask questions during these live sessions and access the latest system expertise.
The second year of the programme continues to be delivered from a subject and phase-specific which enables ECTs to benefit from practising, sharing and learning from others in a similar setting/context with exemplification from our expert delivery leads.
The experienced SWIFT ECTP team provides high-quality support, overseeing all aspects of programme management and delivery. We add a local dimension to the national programme with seminars delivered by our experienced team.

SWIFT ECTP Programme Enhancements

Delivered by local expert practitioners that understand the context of your schools.
The programme offers a greater focus on SEND pupils and SWIFT operates a SEND specific cohort led by an expert SEND delivery lead in both Year one and two of the ECTP to support ECTs and Mentors from Special School settings to offer in-depth SEND exemplification and context.
Termly networking and training webinar for ECTE Leads providing ECTP and AB updates.
Free access to SWIFT Leadership and Curriculum Forums for ECTE Leads.
Additional CPD offers for ECTs and schools. For example, in Summer 2024, SWIFT purchased 100 tickets for SWIFT ECTs to attend free of charge DiverseEd’s DEI Virtual Conference for ECTs;
Free access for ECTs and mentors to SWIFT’s subject-based Professional Communities, which include:

Termly Events with Compelling Agendas
Expert Speakers
Expert Facilitation and Support
Focus on Core Business

The programme begins with an inspiring face-to-face induction day for ECTs and mentors;
Greater flexibility through high-quality interactive video catch-up for seminars;
Strong ongoing support and communication for ECTs, Mentors and ECTE leads, including our weekly SWIFT ECTP Newsletters, half-termly video bulletins and our annual calendar for ECTE Leads so they can easily track ECTP activity for Year 1 and Year 2 ECTs and mentors.

SWIFT MAT Benefits

Please contact [email protected] to find out how we can customise the ECTP programme to your MAT requirements.