Appropriate Body Service
The appointment of an Appropriate Body is a statutory requirement for the induction period of all early career teachers (ECTs).
The role of the Appropriate Body is to ensure that all ECTs receive their statutory induction and entitlements based on the Early Career Framework (ECF) and are fairly and consistently assessed. The Appropriate Body will make the final decision as to whether an ECT has met the Teachers' Standards on the recommendation of the headteacher/principal.
Teaching school hubs are the main provider of Appropriate Body and we are pleased to offer this service to schools.
Why choose us?
Our AB service works with ECTs and schools in our region and beyond across all phases and settings.
We work closely with other ABs in the region to ensure our service meets local needs and provides the best possible support for all those involved with ECT induction.
Schools registering an ECT with us for AB services will receive:
- Access to the ECT Manager portal to manage all induction documentation securely.
- Management of ECT records with the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).
- Support from the Hub team with registration and administrations issues.
- Visits from AB leads to support induction coordinators and tutors.
- Visits from AB leads to support ECTs who are not on track to successfully complete induction.
- ECT welcome sessions and half-termly Induction Coordinator sessions.
- Online ECT Induction Handbook, providing all key guidance and support documents.
- Training for new and developing induction tutors, including writing progress reviews and assessment reports.
- Support from outside of the ECTs school setting.
- Robust quality assurance of documentation and processes within schools and across the region.
Fees
Standard AB Fee for Induction:
We charge a standard AB service fee in line with statutory guidance. We do not charge more than the cost of delivering this service and regularly review our fees to ensure value for money.
For our current AB service fee, please contact the Hub.
This fee is charged per year of induction for the ECT (e.g. for an ECT starting their induction in September, the school will be charge a standard fee for the first year and then again the following September for the second year of induction if the ECT remains at the school).
Fidelity Checks:
If your school does not choose to use the Hub and its delivery partner Ambition Institute to deliver the Full Induction Programme, and opts either for the Core or School-Based Induction Programme, an additional Fidelity Check fee will also be charged in addition to the above. We will advise you of the appropriate fee that will be applied depending on the programme chosen. It is important for your school to consider which route through ECF is most important for your setting, and we are happy to explain each route and associated fee.
How to register your ECT
An ECT cannot start their induction until they are registered with an Appropriate Body.
Your school must register the ECT with all of the following;
- With an Appropriate Body service, such as with us.
- On the DfE online portal.
- With an ECF provider.