Saffron Appropriate Body - Quality Assurance
We’re pleased to share that last year saw a high success rate for ECTs registered with Saffron Appropriate Body in their summer term assessments, with 99.6% of Year 1 ECTs on track with their induction, and 99.5% of Year 2 ECTs successfully completing their induction. One of the key ways Saffron Appropriate Body ensures that all ECTs receive their statutory induction entitlement is through our ‘quality assurance visits’ - but what does this look like in practice?
Quality Assurance visits
Each academic year, we visit at least a third of our schools; last year, we completed visits to 67 schools.
During these visits, we speak with ECTs, Mentors, and Induction Tutors to review the school’s induction offer and ensure statutory entitlements are being met. We also hear about the fantastic support being provided within schools.
During a typical quality assurance visit, a member of the Appropriate Body (AB) team schedules time to meet with key stakeholders involved in the ECT induction process. These visits include individual meetings with each ECT, as well as dedicated time with the Induction tutor and Mentors.
For induction tutors, the visit offers a valuable opportunity to ask questions, share insights into the structure of their school’s induction programme, and explain how it aligns with their broader CPD strategy. These conversations help the AB team understand how induction is framed within the wider school context.
Mentors are typically met in groups, where discussions focus on the structure of mentor meetings and the progress mentors are making in their own professional development. Each ECT is also seen individually, allowing them to reflect on their induction experience and share how they feel they are progressing.
At the conclusion of the visit, feedback is provided to the induction tutor, highlighting strengths and outlining any agreed actions. A written summary is shared shortly after the visit. The process is open, collaborative, and designed to support continuous improvement. It’s always a pleasure when the AB team has the opportunity to meet Headteachers and other members of the school community during these visits.
Here are a few comments from schools that received a visit last academic year:
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“You definitely made the experience far more enjoyable than anticipated by putting everyone at ease!” “We all enjoyed meeting with you – it was really helpful and supportive, thank you!” “I just wanted to say thank you so much for visiting us last week. Not only was it reassuring, but you also offered such excellent (and much-needed) advice and ideas that we can put into action this year to support our ECTs and further improve our induction process.” |
The Saffron Appropriate Body team
The Saffron Appropriate Body team is:
Paula Downes: Appropriate Body and Early Career Lead
Katie Naylor: Appropriate Body Lead
Kerry Walpole: Appropriate Body Administrator
Paula and Katie are both involved in carrying out QA visits.
You may also meet our Director, Doug Brechin, and our Associate AB Leads Tracy Goodway, Deborah Bailey and Sarah Finn on school visits.
We look forward to meeting more of our ECTs, Mentors and Induction Tutors on visits across the coming year.
Find out more about Saffron Appropriate Body here.