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).

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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.

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Subject-Specific Focus Groups

English, Maths, and Science are core subjects that form the foundation of our pupils' 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 and are aligned with national subject-specific initiatives—such as the English Hubs, Maths Hubs, and Science Learning Partnerships—and are informed by current educational research and national trends.

In English, the focus is on developing a mastery approach to reading, writing, and oracy, with emphasis on early language acquisition, vocabulary development, and reading fluency. The group draws on guidance from the English Hubs and the EEF to embed systematic phonics, high-quality texts, and inclusive literacy practices across all key stages.

In Maths, the focus group supports the implementation of Teaching for Mastery principles, including small-step progression, mathematical reasoning, and fluency. Drawing on the NCETM and Maths Hub frameworks, the group works to ensure curriculum coherence, effective use of manipulatives, and consistent mathematical language across classrooms.

In Science, the group promotes mastery through conceptual clarity, enquiry-based learning, and the development of scientific vocabulary. Informed by STEM Learning and Science Hub initiatives, the group enhances the curriculum by integrating practical investigations, addressing misconceptions, and supporting pupils in developing scientific thinking and working scientifically skills.

These collaborative groups provide a platform for sharing resources, refining pedagogy, and ensuring consistency in teaching standards across our schools, while also driving innovation and excellence in subject delivery.

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 pupils 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 pupils receive the support they need to succeed. This group is instrumental in promoting an inclusive educational environment where every pupil can thrive.

Specialised input is provided through our Trust’s dedicated provisions for SLCN, SEMH, and ASC, which offer expert guidance, targeted resources, and bespoke training for staff. These provisions ensure that interventions are evidence-based and tailored to individual needs, drawing on national frameworks, current research, and best practice. The collaboration between mainstream settings and specialist teams strengthens our capacity to meet a wide range of needs, from communication difficulties and emotional regulation to sensory processing and social development. This integrated approach ensures consistency, quality, and impact across all schools within the Trust.

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.

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 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 Early Career Framework (ECF) and provides a comprehensive foundation for new teachers across the Trust. In addition to statutory entitlements such as mentorship and reduced timetables, we offer a rich in-house training package designed to accelerate expertise and build confidence. This includes regular CPD sessions focused on high-impact teaching strategies, behaviour management, curriculum planning, and assessment for learning.

ECTs benefit from instructional coaching, subject-specific training aligned with national curriculum and hub guidance, and access to wider Trust programmes such as Instructional Excellence and Mastery through the Curriculum. Collaborative learning communities and peer support further enhance reflective practice and professional growth, ensuring ECTs are well-equipped to thrive in the classroom and make a lasting impact from the outset of their careers.

• 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 pupils 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:

The Expert Practitioner Programme is designed for experienced teachers who are ready to deepen their expertise and extend their influence beyond the classroom. This advanced professional development pathway goes beyond the expectations of typical CPD, offering targeted training that sharpens instructional practice, strengthens subject leadership, and fosters innovation in teaching. Participants engage in research-informed projects, curriculum design initiatives, and pedagogical coaching that challenge them to refine their craft and lead improvement across their teams.

The programme also supports teachers in mentoring others, driving school-wide priorities, and contributing to strategic development, positioning them as catalysts for excellence within their subject areas and across the Trust.

• Leadership Framework Initiative:

The Leadership Framework Initiative is a strategic development programme designed to accelerate leadership capability across the Trust. It provides a structured pathway for aspiring and emerging leaders, offering targeted training that draws on a wide array of proven leadership strategies, including instructional leadership, strategic planning, and change management.

The framework is built to rapidly develop leadership knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills, ensuring participants are equipped to lead with clarity and impact. Through a blend of theory, practical application, and coaching, staff engage in real-world leadership scenarios, school improvement projects, and collaborative problem-solving.

This initiative not only strengthens individual leadership capacity but also cultivates a pipeline of future senior leaders who are ready to shape the strategic direction of their schools and contribute meaningfully to Trust-wide priorities.

• Subject Leader Mastery:

The Subject Leader Mastery Programme is designed to empower subject leaders with the knowledge, skills, and strategic insight needed to drive excellence in curriculum design and delivery.

This programme goes beyond foundational leadership training, focusing on how subject leaders can embed a mastery approach within their disciplines to ensure depth, coherence, and progression in learning. Participants engage in a series of high-impact workshops, peer observations, and collaborative planning sessions that explore the principles of curriculum mastery—such as sequencing for understanding, identifying and addressing misconceptions, and ensuring all pupils secure key knowledge before moving on.

Leaders are supported in developing a clear vision for their subject, grounded in national curriculum expectations, current research, and subject-specific hub guidance. A key focus is on building the capacity of subject leaders to raise awareness and expertise among colleagues. Through modelling best practice, leading professional development, and facilitating subject-specific dialogue, leaders are equipped to influence teaching quality across their teams.

The programme also supports leaders in using assessment intelligently to inform curriculum refinement and improve pupil outcomes. By the end of the programme, subject leaders will have a deep understanding of how to lead with clarity and purpose, ensuring that every pupil benefit from a rich, well-structured, and ambitious curriculum.

• Middle Leader Webinars:

Our Middle Leader Webinar Series is designed to provide structured, practical support for those leading subjects, phases, or key areas within their schools. Each session focuses on a specific aspect of middle leadership—such as curriculum development, assessment, quality assurance, team management, and strategic planning—and breaks it down into manageable, clearly explained components.

Webinars are carefully sequenced to build leadership confidence and competence over time. Participants are guided through real-world scenarios and case studies, with expert input on how to apply leadership theory to everyday practice. Each session is accompanied by high-quality supporting resources, including planning templates, walkthrough guides, self-evaluation tools, and examples of best practice. These materials are designed to be immediately applicable, helping leaders to implement improvements and lead with clarity and impact.

The series also promotes reflective practice and peer collaboration, encouraging middle leaders to share challenges, successes, and strategies across the Trust. By demystifying the complexities of middle leadership and providing actionable guidance, the programme ensures that leaders are well-equipped to enhance teaching, raise standards, and improve pupil outcomes in their areas of responsibility.

• Approach to Mastery Development Programme:

The Mastery Development Programme is designed to support teachers in embedding mastery-based learning approaches within their classrooms, ensuring all pupils develop a deep, secure, and adaptable understanding of key concepts. This programme provides practical, research-informed training that builds teacher confidence in designing and delivering lessons that prioritise depth over pace, coherence over coverage, and conceptual understanding over rote learning.

Teachers engage in focused sessions on curriculum design, exploring how to sequence learning effectively, identify essential knowledge, and build in opportunities for retrieval and progression. Assessment practices are also a key component, with training on how to use formative assessment to identify misconceptions, adapt instruction, and ensure all pupils are ready to move on. Differentiated instruction is explored through the lens of mastery, equipping teachers with strategies to support and challenge all learners without compromising curriculum integrity.

The programme draws on national guidance from subject-specific hubs and leading educational research, ensuring alignment with best practice and current trends. Through collaborative planning, lesson study, and peer coaching, teachers develop the skills and mindset needed to implement mastery with precision and purpose—ultimately enhancing pupil engagement, understanding, and long-term outcomes.

• Bespoke Individual Coaching Model: We offer personalised coaching for staff members seeking targeted support in specific areas of their professional practice. This coaching is grounded in a deep understanding of pedagogy, curriculum design, and effective classroom implementation. Our experienced coaches work one-on-one with participants to co-construct tailored action plans that address individual development goals—whether that’s refining instructional techniques, enhancing subject knowledge, or improving lesson planning and delivery.

The coaching process includes regular observation, feedback, and reflective dialogue, enabling staff to embed new strategies into their daily practice. By focusing on high-impact teaching methods and aligning support with curriculum intent and pupil needs, this coaching model accelerates professional growth and leads to sustained improvements in classroom outcomes.

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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.

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