Schools are encouraged by the Department for Education to choose a Full Induction Programme (FIP) approach to induction. This is a free-to-use programme that offers high-quality training for early career teachers and their mentors delivered by an external provider that compliments the self-study and mentor sessions. This is the easiest option for schools and schools benefit from the highest level of financial investment from the DfE. In addition, where schools opt for a FIP, the Appropriate Body does not need to carry out ECF fidelity checks. This is because the providers of FIPs will already be subject to separate quality assurance through Ofsted and contract management. The cost of Appropriate Body services for schools using a FIP will therefore be lower than for schools using other options.

Schools opting for the Core Induction Programme (CIP) approach to induction are able to draw upon the ECF materials developed by lead providers (national organisations commissioned by DfE to create the materials) but they then need to self-fund, design and deliver the early-career teacher and mentor training themselves. 

Where schools deliver induction through a CIP, additional quality assurance will be necessary by the Appropriate Body in order to safeguard ECTs’ entitlement to an ECF-based induction. Costs for this service will therefore be greater.

Schools choosing to use a school-based programme of induction will receive no support from the DfE in creating or procuring their own programme, subject or phase-specific coaching, and training for mentors in line with the Statutory Guidance. Schools delivering their own induction programmes will require an Appropriate Body to check these have been designed and delivered with fidelity to the ECF. There are likely to be significant additional costs associated with these fidelity checks.