Balcarras was delighted to host Welcome Conferences for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) in Gloucestershire this Tuesday and Wednesday, marking the first of their sessions as part of the Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE). ECTs from primary, secondary and SEND schools across the county were invited, with around 180 ECTs joining us over the two days.

The ECTE programme aims to help ECTs develop their confidence, knowledge and classroom practice as they begin their teaching careers. Balcarras and Odyssey Teaching School Hubs co-deliver the programme across Gloucestershire, working together to provide a high-quality induction experience. ECTs are organised into cluster groups, bringing together colleagues from different schools and phases to encourage networking, collaboration and the sharing of experiences. 

We were particularly pleased to host the conferences at Balcarras, as we feel that being in a school setting adds real value to the experience. A huge thank you to our school canteen team for providing food for ECTs and facilitators, and to our site and admin teams for ensuring everyone could be accommodated safely, including making sure all the cars could fit on site!

The conferences provided a valuable opportunity for ECTs to meet colleagues, build professional networks and begin their induction feeling welcomed and connected to the wider teaching profession.