Wellbeing for ECTs: protecting yourself at the start of your career

Welcome to a guest blog post by Maisie Waylett!

Maisie is a TeachFirst graduate who recently completed her ECT. She’s worked across two schools in the North West and is currently interning with Edapt through the TeachFirst Ambassador programme. Maisie is passionate about wellbeing support for trainee teachers and ECTs.

Wellbeing for ECTs: Protecting yourself at the start of your career

As teachers ourselves, we well know that whatever your route into teaching, those first years are rewarding, but challenging and, at times, overwhelming. As an Early Career Teacher (ECT), you are balancing lesson planning, classroom management and professional development, often while adjusting to the culture of a new school. It’s not unusual to feel stretched or unsure of how to protect your own wellbeing.

At Edapt, we regularly support ECTs who are navigating the unique pressures of induction. Read on for some practical ways to look after yourself during these crucial early years, alongside clarifying what support you are entitled to.

Understand your entitlements as an ECT

As an ECT, you are entitled to a reduced timetable,10% in your first year, and 5% in your second, on top of your planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time. This time should be protected, giving you the space to focus on developing your teaching, although your school can direct you to professional development to complete, or schedule your mentor meetings in this time (so it’s a little different to PPA). If you find that you are not receiving this entitlement, or if it is regularly encroached upon beyond professional development, it is worth raising this with your induction tutor.

You should also receive regular mentoring and structured support. This is a really important part of induction, so if this is not happening, it may have an impact not only on your wellbeing but also on your ability to meet induction standards.

Set boundaries early in your career

We know how easy it is to fall into the trap of saying yes to everything as a new teacher! You want to impress and do your best for your pupils. However, setting healthy boundaries is vital for your wellbeing. Be realistic about what you can achieve within your directed time. It is completely acceptable to politely decline additional tasks if they fall outside your role or if they compromise your ability to deliver your core responsibilities.

Learning to distinguish between what is required and what is optional can help you focus on what really matters in your first years of teaching.

Seek support when you need it

Teaching is a unique career and can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when facing classroom challenges or workload pressures. Remember that it is normal to ask for help. Your mentor, colleagues and senior leaders are there to support you.

If you encounter difficulties with your induction, allegations, or concerns around your employment rights, Edapt can provide impartial and professional support. We work with many ECTs who want to feel confident about their rights while maintaining a focus on their teaching.

Look after yourself outside the classroom

Your wellbeing isn’t only about what happens at school. Maintaining routines outside of teaching can make a significant difference:

• Prioritise rest and regular sleep where possible.

• Make time for exercise, hobbies or social activities that help you switch off. Perhaps set aside days or evenings where you commit to organising activities beyond work. It’s tempting to spend every evening or weekends on schoolwork, but you will be a better teacher in the long run if you don’t burn out!

• Build a community of colleagues and teacher friends who know what the job is like.

Remember, on tough days, Edapt is in your corner, and you have access to a 24/7 advice helpline with mental health support if you need it.

Your early years in teaching are about building strong foundations for the rest of your career. Protecting your wellbeing is not a luxury, but a necessity if you are going to safeguard your career. By understanding your rights, setting boundaries, seeking support, and looking after yourself beyond the classroom, you can navigate the challenges of induction with greater confidence.

At Edapt, we are here to support you throughout your teaching journey. If you have concerns about your rights or employment situation as an ECT, Edapt has over 200 free support articles in our Knowledge Base.