LEO Training & Professional Development Newsletter

Wednesday 2nd February 2022

We hope you enjoy the latest edition of the LEO Training & Professional Development Newsletter.

Please click on the links below to quickly find the section that you are looking for.

LEO Training and Professional Development Opportunities

LEO Academy Trust CPD Brochure for 2021-2022

Please take a look inside our LEO Academy Trust 2021-2022 CPD Brochure to find out more about the CPD opportunities we have on offer from September.

Adobe Creative Educator Level 1 (Virtual)

Audience: All staff welcome

Date: Wednesday 2nd February 2022

Time: 4pm-5.30pm

The Adobe Creative Educator Level 1 session digs into the ideas around creativity from Sir Ken Robinson’s world famous TED talk and how students can fulfil their creative potential in traditional subjects using digital skills. All those who attend will become certified Level 1 Adobe Creative Educators.

The following will be explored during the session:

  • What creativity is, why it is important and what it looks like in action.

  • Ideas about how to foster it through culture, skills and tools.

  • Some of the digital skills we can use to bring our teaching to life in new ways.

We’ll also take a look at Adobe CCX and how you might use it in a typical lesson to get students working creatively.

Click here to book your place.

DFE EdTech Demonstrator Programme Free Webinar Programme

LEO Academy Trust, part of the DfE EdTech Demonstrator programme, is delighted to offer an extensive webinar programme for schools and colleges in England.

These free webinars are available to any staff member in a state funded school or college in England. Sessions will be recorded and attendees will be provided with the recording and resources after each session.

All sessions take place from 4:30 - 5:30 and will use Google Meet.

Click here to find out more about all of the great training sessions which are on offer for free!

Google Level 2 Training (Virtual)

Have you booked your place for Google Level 2 Training in the Spring term?

Audience: All staff welcome

Dates: Thursday 17th March & Thursday 24th March

Time: 4.00-6.00pm

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain additional support in training for the Google Level 2 Exam. The training will consist of 2 sessions in total.

Staff should have completed the Level 1 exam before registering for the Level 2 course.

Click here to book your place.

Please take a look below to find out about all of the exciting Olevi programmes we will be offering in 2021-2022 at LEO Academy Trust.

Outstanding teaching assistant programme (1).pdf

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme

Full attendance of this programme will enable you to:

* Use highly effective teaching & learning strategies to improve student outcomes;

* Model effective learning processes to others;

* Engage in the delivery of focused internal CPD..

Please click here to book your place.

Senior Outstanding Leadership in Education Programme.pdf

The Senior Outstanding Leadership in Education Programme

Full attendance of this programme will enable you to:

* Articulate a compelling vision that creates momentum;

* Drive a well-considered yet agile strategic plan;

* Achieve the intended outcomes whilst leading a high performing growth culture.

Please click here to book your place.

LEO Network Learning Community Meetings

Take a look in the LEO CPD Brochure for dates of a range of Network Learning Community Meetings.

Publications, Vlogs, Blogs and News

EEF blog: ​‘Five-a-day’ to improve SEND outcomes

Meeting the range of needs presented by a class of children is undoubtedly a challenging task. However, research suggests that there are approaches which teachers can employ to support learning and improve outcomes for all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs.


Click here to read more.

Preparing for the 2022 reading tests - 5 practical tips

1. Variety and Pitch of text:

2. A balance between test technique and reading for pleasure:

3. Reading for meaning:

4. Modelling comprehension strategies:

5. Reading aloud to pupils:

Click here to find out more.

4 Ways to Overcome Cognitive Load

This blog explores the following questions:

  • What is cognitive load theory?

  • When does cognitive load theory happen?

  • How can you overcome it?

Click here to find out more.

Better together: building positive relationships between parents and teachers

Sarah Mullin, Deputy Headteacher and parent, discusses how teachers and parents can work together to do the best for young people.

Every child deserves a champion

As I returned to work as a senior leader after maternity leave, I felt like I was experiencing school life through a fresh pair of eyes. Standing at the gates each morning as I welcomed students into school, I understood that every child is the apple of someone’s eye. As teachers, we are trusted to educate the hearts and minds of our pupils every single day.


Click here to find out more.

Teaching children with dyspraxia


Dyspraxia is a learning difficulty that affects the brain’s ability to plan sequences of movement and is a condition which leads to many varied difficulties. It affects about 6% of the population, of which three times as many boys are affected as girls.


Click here to find out more.



LEO YouTube Page!

Have you subscribed to the LEO YouTube Page yet?

If you would like to engage in CPD opportunities at a time that is convenient to you then why not take a look at our LEO Academy Trust YouTube Page.

New training videos are added on a regular basis and there is already a bank of quality training materials for you to engage with today.

Make sure you subscribe today and click the bell to ensure you are kept up to date with all new additions!

Click here to find out more.

CPD Spotlight

Early Career Teacher Training

ECTs from across LEO Academy Trust and Sutton Education Trust enjoyed a fantastic training session exploring reading & writing!

  • Practical ideas

  • Evidenced informed strategies

  • Opportunities to network & share ideas

Thank you Mr C Perrott, Director of English and Mrs J Watson, English Leader at High View Primary School for a brilliant session.

Growing Great People with Chris Moyse

Staff from across the Trust enjoyed a great training session with Chris Moyse exploring our Growing Great People framework & key coaching skills.


‘Growing great people’ is the LEO Academy Trust’s professional growth policy. It puts establishing, improving and maintaining the very highest standards in our daily work at its very heart. It is a policy that wholeheartedly supports our vision of Learning Excellence Opportunity.

One of the areas covered in the session helped to answer the following question: How do we become better at something?

  • Theory

  • Demonstration

  • Practice

  • Feedback

  • Coaching


Thank you Chris Moyse for a very useful and informative session.

Google Level 1 Training

Staff from across the Trust enjoyed a great training session this week exploring Google tools and preparing for the Google Level 1 exam.

Participants developed their confidence to use: Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms and Groups.

Thank you Mrs C Shirley, Director of Computing and Digital Skills and Mr Rodriguez for a great practical session.

The Outstanding Leadership in Education Programme

Staff from across LEO Academy Trust and beyond enjoyed their second session of the Olevi Outstanding Leadership in Education Programme.

This session focused on vision and strategy and provided participants with the opportunity to reflect on their own leadership skills.

Thank you Mrs A Day, Executive Principal, Mrs C Lester, Executive Principal & Mr Graham Macaulay, Director of Innovation and Growth for another great session.

External CPD Opportunities

February Webinars with texthelp

Wednesday 9th Feb @ 2pm

Back to Basics - EquatIO

Register here

Thursday 10th Feb @ 2pm


Mini Series - Study & Research - Primary School

Register here.

Tuesday 22nd February @ 2pm

Mini Series Supporting Primary Reading Part 1


Register here.

Maths is More FREE ONLINE EVENT - So what is mathematics?


Date: Wednesday 9th Feb

Time: 4pm-5.15pm

White Rose Maths are delighted to be hosting a free maths event with their friends at Maths is More!

They have brought together a number of interested organisations to offer a broader and richer view of both the subject and the ways it can be taught which is research-informed. Suitable for all teachers of mathematics from early years to the end of formal schooling.

Click here to find out more.

Free Webinar! Five ways to increase your happiness in 2022!


Date: Wednesday 9th Feb

Time: 12.30pm

Come and join an amazing webinar led by the Brilliant Doctor of Happiness, Andy Cope.

You will hear tips and techniques to help you be more positive and motivated. In short, we will remind you how to be your best self.

Andy is a sought-after keynote speaker and authority on employee engagement, wellbeing and human flourishing.

Andy studied happiness for 12 years for his PhD, so has an extensive knowledge of the subject.

So come and have fun and join in a thought-provoking session and put that extra spring in your step!

Click here to find out more.

PE Development in Primary Education


Date: Sunday 6th Feb

Time: 1pm-3pm


Join to find out more about the wonderful world of PE in Primary Education!


Click here to find out more.

Google for Education Virtual Author Visit


Date: Tuesday 1st March

Time: 2pm-2.45pm


Join Ara as she dreams big!

Ara is on a new adventure, helping students around the world dream big and make their dreams come true through inclusive innovation.

Pupils and teachers, please join us for an interactive lesson and celebration of the book, Ara the Dream Innovator. Author and Googler Komal Singh will share insights alongside other Googlers and Google Certified Innovators in the UK and Canada.



Click here to find out more.

White Rose Maths - Free Webinar


Date: 9th March

Time: 3.30pm-4.15pm


Join White Rose Maths for our FREE Ask a Primary Maths Specialist webinar!

What training is most suited to my school? How can I adapt the WRM Schemes to suit the needs for my class? Now’s your chance to ask any questions that you have

Click here to find out more.

On-demand training at your fingertips


View the Google on-demand series of webinars designed to help schools and educators in the UK and Ireland get the most out of Google Workspace for Education and Chromebooks.

Whether you are an educator, Senior Leadership or IT Administrator you can find a session to suit you.


Click here to find out more.

Developing Reading for Pleasure


Join the Open Learn FREE Developing Reading for Pleasure badged online course.

Developing the skill to read and the will to read are interrelated, however, this course focuses on the latter; it is an exploration of Reading for Pleasure and its significance for children’s lives and development. You will consider current research, debates and challenges that impact on children’s reading and gain knowledge and strategies to help you promote reader engagement across schools, homes and communities.

Click here to find out more.

Creative Cloud Express


New to Adobe Creative Cloud Express?

Watch these quick videos to learn the basics.

Click here to find out more.

Creative Cloud Express projects for classrooms.

Click here to find out more.

Creative Cloud Express projects for classrooms.

Dip into the Adobe learning calendar, linking educational days to easy-to-use resources to liven up your teaching throughout the year. From Earth Day to Superhero Day, you’ll find ideas for students at all levels designed to make teaching and learning fun all year round.

Click here to find out more.

Become a Creative Ambassador


Adobe are looking for staff who might be interested in becoming an LGfL Adobe Creative Ambassador. Adobe would work directly with you to understand how you use Adobe tools as part of your teaching and to offer support and assistance with a view to producing ‘best practice’ case studies. There might even be some Adobe swag on offer! Reach out to Alister Black - alblack@adobe.com

Reading Zone Book Club


Join the ReadingZone Bookclub programme of free virtual author events each term. The bookclub is aimed at classrooms and libraries that are keen to develop a love of reading. Events for ages 5-11 years.

These events are open to schools and classrooms, and are free to join! Meeting an author can have a real impact on children's Reading for Pleasure - and taking part in a virtual bookclub event is a great way to end the week! To sign up for any of these free events, and for more details, email info@readingzone.com

Click here to find out more.

Adobe in a Box!


Adobe in a Box is a project-based series for learners of all ages. These free, self-paced modules feature creative experts from Adobe and partners who share real-world industry insights and creative advice. The interactive videos and activities in this series help you learn, find inspiration, and see how creativity is essential for all kinds of careers.


Click here to find out more.


Greenshaw Research School Courses


Take a look at the Greenshaw Research School brochure which contain all of their courses for 2021-22.


Click here to find out more.


Adobe Monthly Creativity Challenge


Adobe are excited to introduce their Monthly Creativity Challenges for educators and students.


Introducing the Challenge for January: My Creative Identity.

  • Use the template to create your "Creative Identity" graphic

  • Try out the Remove Background Quick Action with Creative Cloud Express, add in quick facts about you, and customize colors and icons

  • Share out with the Adobe Creative Educator community and inspire others to join in


Click here to find out more.


Youth Sport Trust Conference 2022: Inspiring Changemakers


Wednesday 2 March Awards Dinner


Thursday 3 March Conference

Coventry Building Society Arena (formally Ricoh Arena), Coventry


Here is just a small taste of what the workshops will offer:

  • The role of PE and sport in addressing growing inequalities

  • Getting to the heart of a Well School – tackling the growing wellbeing crisis for all young people

  • Transforming curriculums to respond to the impact and lessons from COVID

Click here to find out more

Online PE CPD for Teachers

England Football's Online PE CPD for Teachers course is designed to increase confidence in the delivery of engaging, inclusive, high-quality Physical Education lessons through the invasion game of football.

Click here to find out more.

LGFL Training Portal

Check out the LGFL training portal for online training events available to ALL school staff to attend for free* (with the exception of Designated Safeguarding Lead training).

Click here to find out more.

Google for Education Events

Join Google for a series of Google Workspace for Education training sessions, which will explore the new Google Workspace for Education capabilities across Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Teaching and Learning Upgrade and Education Plus.


Click here to find out more

EEx Podcasts

Join our Early Excellence community and listen to our blogs via a handy podcast to hear tips on best practice, resourcing your environment and up to date news, reviews and interviews at a time to suit you. Our podcasts are available to listen here or on a variety of platforms, including the following

Click here to find out more

LEO Training Twitter Page!

Are you following @LEOtraining5 on Twitter yet?

If you would like to stay up to date on all things training at LEO Academy Trust and beyond then make sure you follow @LEOtraining5 on Twitter.

  • Get notified when new CPD videos are added to the LEO YouTube page.

  • Receive reminders of upcoming courses and events.

  • Keep up to date with what is happening at LEO training events as and when they are taking place.

  • Explore other CPD opportunities on offer outside of the Trust.

Click here to to visit the page now.

Would you like to feature in the next edition of this newsletter?

The breadth and diversity of professional development opportunities for staff across our Trust is something that we really value. If you would like to feature in our LEO Training & Professional Development newsletter, please get in touch with Amy Carlile, Director of Training and Professional Development (acarlile@leoacademytrust. co.uk), using Training Newsletter as the subject line.