"Dear Trainee Teacher,

I am a Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, conducting a project exploring early career teachers’ thoughts and beliefs about inclusion, and ways in which confidence can be improved in supporting the needs of all pupils.

I wish to invite you to take part in this study. It will involve completing an online survey, taking about 20 minutes, at the start and end of your teacher training year, and also the middle and end of your Early Career Framework programme (4 times over a three-year period). The survey is not designed to assess your knowledge, but instead, to look at your views and experiences, as well as to identify teacher training needs.

Vouchers worth £25 will be paid if you complete the survey at all four time points (£10 after completing the second survey and a further £15 after completing the final survey).

We have been given permission to carry out this research by University of Surrey Research Ethics Committee. All information collected will be kept in the strictest of confidence. Any identifying information will be removed so that your response will be completely anonymous. Taking part is voluntary and you are free to pull out at any stage, by contacting us, up until the end of the summer term in 2027.

The results of this research will be published in academic journals and presented at conferences. They will also contribute to the development of an online resource providing strategies for teachers and the wider school community wishing to learn more about inclusive teaching.

Here is the link to the survey for completion at the start of your teacher training programme:

https://bit.ly/ECT-Inclusion

Please make sure that you complete this survey by 18 October 2024.

Thank you in advance for considering taking part in this important research."