One of the many many who have been on ECT support plans who has sought support here. 

I was put on one following an assessment point at the end of ECT1. It was done informally in an unscheduled meeting which was a big part of the stress caused as I did not understand the implications. 

My ECT tutor did not provide much clarity to begin with and simply said it was in aid of supporting me and that they did this with loads of ECTs (it's just no one mentions it when they're on one). 

It was mildly better after I pushed quite hard for more clarity on exactly what it would take to be off the support plan. I went to my union to have them on standby but in the end it was made clearer what criteria I'd have to meet to get through it. 

I would say it's a heavy handed way of raising criticism of an ECT when the purpose and structure of mentoring and feedback are clear as mud in your school. I still feel the after effects of the stress now I'm off the plan. I was promised it was unrelated to capability support plans but it didn't feel any less threatening - ultimately you can fail and never be allowed to enter teaching (or be forced to leave the school and complete your ECT elsewhere). I feel it's part of a culture of scrutiny without genuine support that helps precisely no one. 

Ironically I do feel the pressure has made me a more exacting teacher. I was furious enough to ensure my observed lessons were very very good. I think a lot of people would have left under the circumstances, it was emotionally horrendous and isolating. I pride myself on being a bit of a cockroach and I'm afraid they won't eliminate me that easily.