Early Career Teachers

At Swale Academies Trust, we believe that exceptional teaching begins with exceptional support. Our Early Career Teacher (ECT) pathway provides a clear, structured two-year journey aligned with the Early Career Framework (ECF). Here, you will benefit from dedicated mentoring, bespoke professional development, and a supportive learning community, all grounded in the latest research and best practice.

Supportive Induction

Our two-year induction is carefully designed to ensure you thrive from the very start of your career and continue to develop as a confident, skilled practitioner. We focus on:

Bespoke Mentorship - you will receive personalised, one-to-one support from experienced mentors who guide your progression, offer tailored feedback, and help you set meaningful developmental targets.
Research-Informed Practice - we provide targeted support in your curriculum area, ensuring you deepen your subject knowledge and refine your teaching strategies based on the latest research evidence.
Protected Development Time - we prioritise regular release time so that you can engage with professional materials, attend training sessions, observe experienced colleagues, and embed new techniques into your teaching.
High-Quality Resources and Guidance - through our collaboration with Kent Teaching School Hub, Step Ahead, and Ambition Institute, you gain access to reliable frameworks, materials, and guidance that maintain consistently high standards.

Testimonial

"From day one, I felt guided and encouraged. My mentor was always there with practical suggestions and honest feedback. I've grown more confident in the classroom, and I know I am building the foundations of a successful career." - Year 1 ECT, Kent.

Collaborative Professional Development

We understand that every teacher's journey is unique. We foster a community where you can learn alongside peers and experienced colleagues, sharing insights and developing your practice together. This includes:

Face-to-Face Conferences and Online Clinics - you will engage in rich dialogue, explore key pedagogical themes, and connect with mentors and fellow ECTs.
Bespoke Training Plans - our training addresses specific skills you need, from effective behaviour management to adaptive teaching and impactful assessment.
Additional Workshops and Coaching - we offer timely guidance as your career progresses, with opportunities to refine your approach and respond to new challenges.

Testimonial

"[Our] trust's training conferences brought me into contact with other ECTs, allowing me to share experiences and learn collaboratively. I felt supported at every step, and by Year 2, I was ready to take on greater responsibilities in school." - Year 2 ECT, East Sussex.

What to Expect

Element	Year 1	Year 2
Clear Induction to ECF	Full induction to ECF materials	Continued exploration, deepening pedagogical knowledge
Mentor Support	Regular one-to-one mentoring, tailored feedback	Mentor-led coaching focusing on refinement of skills
Professional Development	2 full-day conferences, 3 online clinics	2 full-day conferences, 3 online clinics, new materials
Self-Directed Study Time	Regular development time to engage with materials	Sustained development time to consolidate and enhance practice
Observations and Feedback	Structured opportunities to observe experienced teachers	Advanced developmental drop-ins, co-planning, and reflective sessions

Choose our trust!

By choosing to develop your practice with us here at Swale Academies Trust, you join a community that:

Supports your Growth - you will learn in a positive environment where mentors, colleagues, and peers share knowledge and expertise.
Builds your Confidence - our approach is designed to strengthen your teaching, build your resilience, and open pathways to greater responsibilities.
Invests in your Success - we are committed to providing the resources, guidance, and encouragement you need to reach your professional goals.

If you have any questions or would like more information about our ECT programme, please get in touch.

Contact us