The Induction Tutor’s Role: Harnessing Support to Ensure Quality ECT Induction

Richard McIntosh is the Headteacher at Baddow Hall Junior School, Chelmsford, and is in the role of Induction Tutor for ECTs for the first time this academic year. Richard has been attending Appropriate Body briefings and training for Induction Tutors, as well as receiving a QA visit earlier this academic year. Richard took the time to share his experience with Saffron Appropriate Body. 

How are your ECTs getting on with their induction?  

We have two ECTs who started with us in September. They are both at different stages of the process and both are making very positive – we are fortunate to have them as part of the team. 

How did you find the QA visit from the Appropriate Body in the Autumn term? 

It was a very useful visit that helped assure us that the systems and processes we had put in place were correct and it allowed us an opportunity to ask questions and seek advice. This is the first time our school has had an ECT since the programme began, so we were pleased that a QA visit was part of the support from Saffron. 

How are you finding the documentation (e.g. the handbook, development log, standards tracker)? Is there anything about it that you feel works particularly well? 

The documents are all helpful. I would say that the teachers’ standards tracker is a particularly useful document for ECTs, Mentors and Induction Tutors in evidencing and monitoring ongoing development and in helping with end of term progress reviews.  

You recently attended our training session on "Escalations, Support Plans and Extensions". How valuable did you find this training? Was there anything about it that particularly stood out for you? 

I would just want to state that I attended this for information rather than any current need – our ECTs are doing a great job! However, it is obviously essential to have knowledge of these provisions in case they are ever required and the training offered all the relevant information. One of the most helpful parts of the session was being able to review sample Action Plans with colleagues on the call, sharing our thoughts on what appeared to be particularly effective elements and also what to avoid when/if writing them. 

Do you feel supported by Saffron Appropriate Body? 

Yes, we do feel supported. Any questions we have or guidance we need are promptly responded to. The September briefing was useful though I’m still learning about the role of the Induction Tutor as the terms progress. 

What advice would you give to another school working with an ECT for the first time? 

When working with an ECT for the first time, the most powerful thing you can offer is a culture of genuine support. Purposeful, reflective feedback will help them think through their decisions rather than depend on yours.  

Short, informal drop-ins can make a real difference. They give you a window into their everyday practice, help you catch small issues before they grow, and allow you to notice successes they might not yet recognise. Crucially, these drop-ins should feel supportive, not evaluative. 

Regular, focused weekly meetings also matter. Use them to set clear, realistic objectives and to talk through the next steps in a manageable way. Being available for quick conversations when needed helps reduce unnecessary anxiety. 

It’s valuable to learn from them and to help them learn from each other. Their training is fresh, their ideas are current and showing that you welcome this not only strengthens your practice but boosts their sense of belonging. 

Finally, keep their wellbeing firmly on your radar. Many ECTs work far longer hours than they admit. Noticing patterns, asking gentle questions, and encouraging healthy boundaries helps them stay grounded and maintain the energy they need to succeed. 

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Induction Tutor training sessions

Saffron Appropriate Body runs a set of training sessions for Induction Tutors throughout the year to ensure they stay up to date with current guidance. All Induction Tutors are encouraged to attend these to ensure they can offer the best possible support to their ECTs.  

The next training sessions for this year are: 

• ECTE Annual Briefing, Wednesday 25 March 2:30-4:30pm: for all new Induction Tutors or for any that missed the September/January briefing. 

• Breakfast briefing, Thursday 26 March 8:00-8:15am: key messages for Induction Tutors. 

• “Writing quality assessments”, Wednesday 13 May 3:30-4:30pm: a training session focused on the requirements for the end of year assessments. 

To book a place on these training sessions, see the session booking links in the document here.