Evaluation of early roll-out of the Early Career Framework full-induction programme

Expressions of interest are sought to carry out an evaluation of early roll-out of the Early Career Framework. The evaluation will inform continuous improvement (CI) of early roll-out and the planning and implementation of national roll-out. It is anticipated that a mixed-method approach will be adopted to deliver a process evaluation, case studies and near real-time insights and feedback loops.

Aim: To increase potential for the Full-Induction Programme to meet the needs of early career teachers (ECTs), mentors and schools by informing CI during early roll-out and, planning and implementation of national roll-out.

To deliver this, the research objectives are to:

i. Evaluate approaches used to deliver the Full-Induction Programme by each provider; what works (or not) and why.

ii. Evaluate the characteristics, awareness, choices and motivations of eligible schools that engage / do not engage with the Full-Induction Programme during early roll-out.

iii. Evaluate the experience and satisfaction of schools, mentors and ECTs who engage with the full-induction programme, contributory factors; what works well/ less well.

iv. Understand emerging outcomes for schools, mentors and ECTs and track leading indicators of potential for longer-term retention outcomes for ECTs (self-reported data).

v. Provide feedback loops to inform the CI of delivery of early rollout and inform planning, risk management and delivery of national roll-out, and case-stories to communicate operational insights.

The full specification will consist of some prescribed method and reporting requirements; and an invitation to bidders to suggest supplementary and/or complementary data collection approaches and reporting to complete the work.

The package of evaluation is likely to comprise:

• Baseline, mid-point and end-point online surveys with engaged schools, mentor and early career teachers (potentially, with line managers and colleagues);
• Case studies;
• Desk research and analysis of monitoring information and School Workforce Census;
• Qualitative interviews with eligible schools that chose not to engage in ERO;
• Mixed-method approaches to understand the experience of engaging with the different delivery models for the ERO full-induction programme; and
• Supplementary and/or complementary methods to deliver near real-time insights on operational questions and challenges, and/or themes of interest and leading indicators of benefits or unwanted consequence. This will likely draw on creative research methods, use technology and/or approaches from market research, action learning and action research.

At this stage, the expression of evidence of interest does NOT require development of a method. Bidders are asked to demonstrate proficiency in 4 broad areas (see full EOI for details of the assessment criteria):

• Subject expertise and its relevance/application to research
• Organisational capacity and management skills
• Technical experience and ability
• Communication skills

Additional information: The deadline for receipt of EOI's is 23:59 18th November 2019.

The full invitation to tender will only being issued to those organisations deemed to best meet the requirements of the assessment criteria.

Expressions of interests submitted must be no more than 1,000 words.

Please find included below a link to the pre-competition survey for this project: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/a167c210-1183-44b2-94ac-2323bb2670b7

Tender Documents

• Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder → — Tender notice
• Terms and Conditions → — Contract notice
• EOI Advert → — Contract notice
• EOI form → — Contract notice