Providing More to your ECT offer
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin
The Early Career offer at the Watergrove Trust is a different kind of offer; it is different, because it absolutely applies our ethos of “Providing More.” All training provided to Early Career Teachers (ECTs) supplements the DfE’s statutory offer, with further opportunities for self-development that you can apply to both the classroom and staffroom, and as individual in your own right.
What does this involve?
Core offer: Alongside our DfE accredited, Ofsted rated “Outstanding” partner, Best Practice Network, ECTs are supported to carefully build their understanding from their ITT placement. With the help of the subject/phase Early Career Mentor (ECM), ECTs are carefully guided to implement this guidance in the classroom.
Crucially, we don’t outsource your professional learning as a Trust. All of the training for the core offer is delivered by leaders in the Watergrove Trust. This means that the facilitators know both you and your school context well, enabling enlightened, authentic and meaningful discussion of practice.
View the Best Practice Network ECT brochure here.
Extended offer: All ECTs receive a nationally recognised accreditation in “Transactional Analysis”, equipping them to manage interactions with pupils, parents, colleagues and people outside your professional life, with composure, empathy and expertise.
Training is led by the CEO of the Trust, Mark Moorhouse and Giles Barrow, TSTA in Education, further emphasising our commitment to working relationships and culture.
ECTs also receive:
- Personalised support from our dedicated Team of ECF Leaders;
- An opportunity to network with other ECTs in Rochdale, both subject specific and across phases; (Early Years – KS4), giving ECTs a firm understanding of curriculum progression;
- Face to face and online workshops delivered by leading experts at Watergrove Trust;
- A carefully chosen Mentor who provides support and challenge;
- Self-study featuring rich multimedia content including videos, practical tasks and discussion activities;
- Personalised induction plans relevant to setting / key stage;
- Access to Watergrove Trust’s CPD programme, at any school, relevant to their targets;
- Access to the bespoke Watergrove Trust ECT Summer Development Programme.
Feedback from ECTs working with Mentors
“Having the time with my ECM gives me really useful time to reflect on my week, not just lessons but everything else that goes along with teaching.“
“I have found the sessions with my mentors useful and enlightening; I have been able to receive tailored support that has focused on areas of weakness, and have been provided with advice relating to how these gaps could be plugged.“
“My weekly meetings allow me to really draw on the expertise of my mentor in many ways, such as: safeguarding queries, formative assessment, conversations with parents / carers and subject knowledge. This dedicated time also allows me to reflect upon my practice, in regard to what is working well, and how I can continue to develop.“
Applying Transactional Analysis
“It has helped me to use integrated adult to manage different situations.“
“It has given me a new perspective on behaviour management.“
“It has caused me to think about the response that I want from the children and made me think about my wording/phrasing to get the best outcome.“
“Helped gather a deep understanding, now I can phrase my conversations and adjust to how learners are reacting. This is particularly pertinent as learners at my school also have an understanding of TA.“
To find out more about the Early Career Framework, click here.
