Best Practice

The five principles of effective mentoring in schools

CPD Teaching staff NQTs Early Career Teachers
Mentoring in schools has taken on a new importance under the Early Career Framework. Mentor Sean Harris considers five core elements of effective mentor support


Mentoring can be messy. But when it is delivered effectively it can be transformational – especially for early career teachers (ECTs).

In this article, I would like to draw on my experience as a mentor to offer five practical pillars of mentoring for ECTs.


The Early Career Framework

First, a quick recap of why mentoring is now front and centre for all new teachers. According to the Early Career Framework (DfE, 2019), all ECTs going through induction must have an induction mentor. Mentors offer sessions to provide feedback and offer or source effective support, including subject or phase-specific coaching and supporting the ECT if they are having difficulties. The ECF says that the mentor must:

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