Prioritising Professional Development in Inspires Multi-Academy Trust

At Inspires Multi-Academy Trust, we believe that the cornerstone of a thriving educational environment is the continuous professional development (CPD) of our staff. We are committed to fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and excellence. We prioritise and support CPD through focused collaborative groups for Headteachers, Deputy Headteachers, and subject-specific leaders in English, Maths, Science, Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Collaborative Groups for Leadership

Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers play a pivotal role in shaping the vision and direction of our schools. To support their ongoing development, we have established dedicated collaborative groups where they can share best practice, discuss strategic challenges, and develop solutions. These groups meet regularly to ensure that our leadership teams are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to lead effectively.

Subject-Specific Focus Groups

English, Maths, and Science are core subjects that form the foundation of our students' education. We have created focus groups for subject leaders in these areas to collaborate on curriculum development, teaching strategies, and assessment methods. These groups provide a platform for sharing resources, discussing pedagogical improvements, and ensuring consistency in teaching standards across our schools.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The EYFS focus group is dedicated to meeting the needs of early education and child development. This group brings together practitioners to explore the latest research in child development, share innovative teaching practices, and develop strategies to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for our youngest learners.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Supporting students with SEND is a priority for our Trust. Our SEND focus group is comprised of specialists who collaborate to enhance their understanding of diverse learning needs, share effective intervention strategies, and ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed. This group is instrumental in promoting an inclusive educational environment where every student can thrive.

Approach to Whole School Curriculum Development

Through planned activities for all subject leaders in all subjects we embrace a collaborative approach to curriculum development across all subjects. By fostering a shared vision, we encourage the sharing of initiatives and best practices among our staff. This collaborative spirit ensures that innovative teaching methods and successful strategies are disseminated throughout our schools. Additionally, we provide shared opportunities for curriculum development and leadership growth, enabling our educators to continuously refine their skills and contribute to the collective success of our Trust.

Current Training Programmes

To further support our staff's professional development, we offer a range of training programmes tailored to roles, responsibilities and stages of their careers:

• ECT Support: Our Early Career Teacher (ECT) support programme builds on the ECF and provides new teachers with the guidance and resources they need to excel in their initial years of teaching. This includes mentorship, continued feedback, and targeted professional development sessions.
• Instructional excellence: Our programme is designed to empower educators with the skills, knowledge, and strategies necessary to deliver high-quality teaching and learning experiences. Through this programme, we aim to equip teachers with advanced instructional techniques and methodologies to engage students effectively and foster a love for learning. By encouraging a culture of collaboration among educators, we share best practices and innovative teaching approaches.
• Expert Practitioner Program: This programme is designed for experienced teachers who wish to deepen their expertise and take on leadership roles within their subject areas. Participants engage in advanced training and projects designed to enhance their instructional skills.
• Leadership Framework Initiative: Aimed at current and aspiring leaders, this initiative offers comprehensive training on leadership principles, strategic planning, and school management. It equips participants with the skills necessary to drive school improvement and foster a positive school culture.
• Subject Leader Mastery: This programme focuses on developing subject leaders' mastery of their disciplines. It includes workshops, peer observations, and collaborative planning sessions to ensure high-quality teaching and learning in every classroom.
• Middle Leader Webinars: Our series of webinars for middle leaders covers a range of topics, from curriculum development to subject management. These sessions provide practical strategies and insights designed to allow middle leaders excel in their roles.
• Approach to Mastery Development Programme: This programme supports teachers in implementing mastery-based learning approaches in their classrooms. It includes training on curriculum design, assessment practices, and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students.
• Bespoke Individual Coaching Model: We offer personalized coaching for staff members seeking targeted support in specific areas. Our coaches work one-on-one with participants to develop tailored action plans and provide ongoing feedback and encouragement.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Our commitment to CPD is unwavering. We provide regular training sessions, workshops, and seminars led by experts in various fields. Additionally, we encourage our staff to pursue further qualifications and attend external conferences to broaden their horizons and bring fresh perspectives to our Trust.

By prioritising professional development through these collaborative groups and training programmes, we ensure that our staff are not only well-equipped to meet the challenges of today but are also prepared to lead the way in the future of education. Together, we are building a community of lifelong learners dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning.