Early Career Framework (ECF) Overview of Behaviour

Many early career teachers may need support from leaders, colleagues and mentors to understand and support students’ behaviour.

For teachers in England, the Early Career Framework, or ECF, outlines 8 key focus areas, all of which should be addressed by ECTs over the course of their two-year induction process. Each one links to the related Teachers’ Standards (TS):

1. 1. High Expectations (TS 1: Set high expectations)

1. 1. How Pupils Learn (TS 2: Promote good progress)

1. 1. Subject & Curriculum (TS 3: Demonstrate good subject & curriculum knowledge)

1. 1. Classroom Practice (TS 4: Plan and teach well-structured lessons)

1. 1. Adaptive Teaching (TS 5: Adapt teaching)

1. 1. Assessment (TS 6: Make accurate and productive use of assessment)

1. 1. Managing Behaviour (TS 7: Manage behaviour effectively)

1. 1. Professional Standards (TS 8: Fulfil wider professional responsibilities)

The two areas highlighted in bold make specific reference to behaviour. This downloadable overview summarises these key points from the Early Career Framework, so that teachers at the start of their career understand the expectations around behaviour support.

*Please note that, from September 2025, the ECF will be replaced by the Initial Teacher
Training and Early Career Framework.