CCF

The CCF was first introduced in 2019, with all ITE providers designing their curriculum to ensure that the CCF is the minimum entitlement delivered to all trainee teachers from 2020. This framework builds on and replaces the Framework of Core Content for Initial Teacher Training (2016).

This framework draws on the best available evidence ensuring that providers design their curricula to support trainee development in 5 core areas – behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and professional behaviours.

The Core Content Framework (CCF) mirrors the Early Career framework (ECF) and sets out two types of content ‘learn that’ and ‘learn how to’ ensuring all entrants into the profession have access to a curriculum which is underpinned by the evidence of what makes great teaching.

It is designed in the knowledge that the quality of teaching is the most important factor in improving outcomes for pupils. The ITT Core Content Framework and the Early Career Framework together establish a three-year structured package of support for future teachers.

The CCF entitlement is mandatory for Primary and Secondary initial teacher training. Although the CCF is not mandatory for PCET, expectations around the curricula for training and placements are the same.

The CCF requires that the training programme must:

• Be internally coherent

• Be delivered effectively

• Transform trainees’ practice

Content is therefore very important. Trainees must be given opportunities to revisit practice and to develop sufficient pedagogical content knowledge.

OfSTED will focus on curriculum sequence. In lesson observations they will look at the extent to which trainees understand what children need to know and the application of their pedagogical content knowledge. In particular, they will look at:

• What trainees are learning (curriculum content)

• What is being taught, especially the interweaving of subject and phase specificity.

With respect to the CCF, it is important that we demonstrate the ‘interplay between the generic and the subject-specific’ and purposeful integration between and across settings throughout the duration of the course.

Core Content Framework (CCF)

ITT exemplification resource