This week I report on the announcement of the new teacher training framework, publication of an Ofsted report calling for reform to alternative provision and the DfE’s decision to continue with the current Ebacc average point score as the headline EBacc attainment measure.

New teacher training framework
The DfE will be replacing the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework (CCF) and Early Career Framework (ECF) with a combined initial teacher training and early career framework (ITTECF) from September 2025 in order to reduce unnecessary repetition. This is one of the changes and improvements announced by the DfE following its review of the ECF and CCF.

Other changes include the development of enhanced subject-specific materials by training providers, increased content for trainees on how to support pupils with SEND, and changes to reduce the workload for mentors.

New Ofsted report calls for urgent reform to alternative provision (AP)
A joint report from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), finds that the lack of national standards and clarity around who is responsible for AP commissioning and oversight is leading to inconsistent outcomes for children and young people. A series of recommendations are set out in the report to help children while attending AP and after they leave the education system.

DfE pauses plans to make changes to the headline EBacc attainment measure
In September 2023, the DfE announced its intent to “move to a headline EBacc attainment measure that incentivises full EBacc”, with its approach to be confirmed in early 2024. Yesterday, however, the DfE stated in an update to its ‘Secondary accountability measures’ guidance that it is “pausing this work and the current EBacc Average Point Score will remain the headline EBacc attainment measure”.