Help! I’m an ECT – What’s Next?

Help! I'm an ECT - what next? A Flourish Education Roundtable event. 8th May 2024, 2pm.

Starting your career as an Early Career Teacher can feel overwhelming, but you didn’t have to navigate it alone. Flourish Education hosted this insightful roundtable event to help ECTs take control of their career, build confidence and make the most of their ECT years.

The online event took place on Wednesday 8th May at 2pm, where Ashley Winters, Director of Primary for Washwood Heath MAT, shared his expertise and practical advice on how ECTs can thrive during their early careers. The session was attended by newly qualified teachers as well as those in their first year.

During this engaging roundtable, Ashley drew on nearly 30 years of experience in education, covering subject, phase and whole school leadership across areas such as Teaching and Learning, Behaviour, Assessment, PE and Art. His passion for mentoring and developing educators made this a valuable session for any ECT looking to succeed.

What was covered:

  • Key factors to consider when choosing the right school for your ECT years
  • How to be an effective ECT whilst maintaining a healthy work life balance
  • Practical tips on staying organised and supporting your mental wellbeing
  • Understanding the role of your ECT mentor and how to build a strong working relationship
  • Ashley’s top tips to help you get the most out of your ECT years including recommended books, blogs and podcasts

This roundtable provided a fantastic opportunity for ECTs to gain honest, practical advice in a supportive environment.

Watch the Roundtable Recording

If you were unable to attend the live event or would like to revisit the discussion, you can watch the full roundtable recording below. Simply press play to gain valuable insights and practical strategies that you can apply straight away.

Bonus Resources for Attendees

Following the event, Ashley shared a templated Teaching Standards action plan and exemplars with attendees, designed to support them throughout their ECT journey and help set them up for success.