National roll-out of the Early Career Framework

The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to notify the market of forthcoming market engagement events relating to the Early Career Framework (ECF). The Department will be undertaking three online events between 13th and 17th July 2020 for interested providers to input into the implementation of the ECF.

In May 2018, in response to a public consultation on 'Strengthening Qualified Teacher Status and Improving Career Progression for Teachers', the Department for Education (DfE) committed to improving the support for early career teachers (ECTs) through a new Early Career Framework, and extended induction and strengthened mentoring. In collaboration with an Expert Advisory Group, the DfE consulted extensively with the sector to design the ECF.

The ECF has been designed to support early career teacher development in 5 core areas - behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and professional behaviours. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has independently reviewed the framework to ensure it draws on the best available evidence and that this evidence has been interpreted with fidelity.

The ECF is at the heart of the recruitment and retention strategy for school teachers. The strategy confirms that DfE will fund national roll-out of the early career reforms in September 2021, as our top priority to support early career retention and to support teacher quality.

To ensure national roll-out is a success, DfE is seeking national providers to lead the delivery, from September 2021, of the national roll-out of the ECF for ECTs and mentors. There are three supplier events scheduled to take place week commencing 13th July and are anticipated to last between 2 and 3 hours.

Please note that a maximum of two people from each organisation can attend each event. For more information please see the attached Prior Information Notice document.

Additional information: This notice is for information only and is not a call for competition. The Department reserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not award contracts.

Accordingly, the Authority will not be liable for any bid cost, expenditure, work or effort incurred by a provider in acting on the basis of this PIN. All information included in this notice is indicative and subject to change.