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

Tender description

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