LEO Professional Learning Newsletter
Thursday 12th September 2024
LEO Professional Learning Offer 24/25
LEO Professional Learning Brochure 2024-2025.pdfLEO Professional Learning Opportunities 2024-2025
There are lots of professional learning opportunities on offer for 2024-2025.
Take a look at our new LEO Professional Learning Brochure here which contains the dates and times of upcoming training sessions.
Network Learning Community Sessions
Early Career Teacher Professional Learning
Subject Specific Professional Learning
Writing Networks
Google Professional Learning
Leadership Professional Learning
Coaching opportunities
ECT Subject Specific Professional Learning Brochure LEO & SET Early Career Teacher Subject Specific Sessions
There are lots of subject specific professional learning opportunities for our ECTs on offer for 2024-2025.
Take a look at our new ECT Subject Specific Professional Learning Programme here which contains the dates and times of upcoming training sessions.
Creative Teacher Programme
Classroom practitioners will become more reflective and creative, gaining a deeper understanding of the pedagogy that ensures a significant impact on the progress of, and relationships with, pupils and colleagues. Through this programme you will become a more self-regulated and independent thinking professional.
Outstanding Teacher Programme
Classroom practitioners will gain a deeper understanding of the latest innovative pedagogy and develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to make a significant impact on their pupils and inspire others to become outstanding practitioners within a coaching culture.
Power of Coaching Programme
Practitioners will gain a deeper understanding about the power of coaching and the impact that great coaching has on learning - being able to confidently apply several strategies to deepen the thinking of pupils; inspire colleagues to develop and grow; and become a more reflective and energised professional. As a credible coach, professionals will be able to coach informally, formally and in a structured way using the OLEVI Analytical Coaching programme.
Outstanding Leadership in Education Programme
The programme recognises that all people are leaders, and that developing leadership ensures that well balanced challenge and support creates impact. You will engage with evidence-informed leadership pedagogy to discover how to lead and manage individuals, classes, teams, and projects more effectively for greater impact.
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme
Classroom support staff will become more reflective, confident, and creative through gaining a deeper understanding of high-quality classroom pedagogy. You will develop the attributes to make a significant impact on the outcomes of, and relationships with, both pupils and colleagues.
Senior Outstanding Leadership in Education Programme
The best senior leaders have an aspirational vision and know how to balance challenge and support, successfully overcoming complex barriers to achieve significant and sustainable impact. The programme will provide greater clarity, grow confidence, and develop competence of senior leaders, enabling strategic reflection on organisational improvement.
Professional Learning Spotlight
BA Hons Students at LEO
We’re delighted to work in partnership with @Anspear & @UoBSchoolofEd, offering the chance to gain a BA (Hons) in Primary Education while working as a teaching assistant.
Good luck to our 1st & 2nd year students, as they continue their degrees with the Univeristy of Buckingham.
Google AI Professional Learning
The start of term began with a fantastic day of professional learning for staff across LEO Academy Trust .
Colleagues took part in training sessions with Google for Education. This session was a great opportunity to develop skills, knowledge & understanding around the effective use of AI.
A wonderful start to the term!
Safeguarding & Prevent INSET
A big thank you to Principals and Designated Safeguarding Leads for putting safeguarding at the top of their agendas.
Over 800 staff, across all roles have received updated training in Safeguarding and Prevent as well as a bespoke look at themes and trends across our schools.
Publications, Vlogs, Blogs and News
By Google
Find out why we enjoy using #GoogleClassroom at @LEOacademies, what we’ve learned, and what’s coming next. Featuring Graham Macaulay and Cheam Park Farm.
Click here to watch the video.
Walking the talk
By Mary Myatt
‘Writing floats on a sea of talk’ - James Britton
Why has there been a tendency to privilege writing over speaking, listening and reading? While oracy has recently gone further up the agenda, it’s odd that high quality talk in classrooms has often been regarded as an optional extra, something quite nice to do, rather than an entitlement for all pupils.
Click here to read more.
How much does prior knowledge help?
By Inner Drive
Understanding the role of prior knowledge in the learning process is crucial for fostering effective teaching strategies. Whilst recent research suggests that prior knowledge enhances learning by providing a foundation for new information, others argue it can hinder learning by causing misconceptions. So, does prior knowledge help or hinder learning? What is its importance in teaching, and how does it affect memory retention?
Click here to find out more.
The new school year and setting goals
By Alex Quigley
The new academic year can be a time of promise for pupils. The promise of new teachers, peer groups, and the relationships that come along with it. Though there can be anxieties and worries too, it offers opportunities for a fresh start and newfound success.
That time to begin afresh, afresh, afresh can even banish old fears, doubts, and plant the seed for a better attitude and application. Of course, pupils can start the year with the best of intentions, but like the shine on their new shoes – the old routines and attitudes can kick in – and the lustre wears off.
Click here to find out more.
Manipulatives in Maths
By Maths no Problem
Mathematical manipulatives are touted as essential tools for learning, but let's be honest—we've all experienced that moment of dread when we hand them out. Suddenly, your carefully planned lesson turns into chaos: One pupil starts building a fortress with the base ten blocks while another is hiding all the shiny counters.
Yet, despite these challenges, manipulatives play an important role in maths education. They bridge the gap between abstract concepts and tangible understanding, helping pupils grasp basic number sense. In fact, the National Curriculum emphasises their importance across all key stages, recognising that hands-on learning is vital for developing maths fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
Click here to find out more.
Subject leadership tips: communication, summative assessment and planning ahead
By HFL Education
And just like that… it’s September again!
This blog is a short and sweet reminder of how to get your maths subject leadership off to a flying start.
Before I delve into my three September Suggestions, a quick nod to some great guidance from the EEF around implementation; if you haven’t already had the chance, have a read of EEF: A School’s Guide to Implementation.
If you focus on anything in subject leadership over the next few weeks, I suggest communication, summative assessment and making your plan manageable.
Click here to find out more.
External Professional Learning Opportunities
Ofsted Webinars for schools
School inspection update: autumn 2024
In this webinar we will provide an outline of the updates to the school inspection handbook for maintained schools and academies including: the removal of the overall effectiveness judgement, changes to ungraded inspections and other changes as a result of the big listen.
Date: Thursday 19 September 2024
Time: 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Register now for this free webinar
Changes to ungraded inspections
In this webinar we will be discussing our new approach to ungraded inspections from September 2024.
Date: Monday 23 September 2024
Time: 4pm - 5pm
Effective Learning across Early Years
Date: 24/9/24
Time: 5pm-5.45pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
Newcastle Research School will be sharing how to promote learning using the pedagogical continuum.
This session will explore adult-directed activity, guided play and child-directed activity.
Click here to find out more.
Canva for Education Training Day
Date: Friday 27th September 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Canva Offices London
On behalf of Canva for Education, we would love to invite you to an in-person training day in London. Discover the latest Canva updates, explore Affinity, and share best practices with other UK schools.
Click here to find out more.
Introduction to Phonics
Date: Mon 30 Sep 2024
Time: 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
This session is designed for teachers who are new to teaching phonics. It is non-programme specific and will cover the key principles of teaching early reading. The training is open to all schools within the boroughs we work with, regardless of the SSP programme your school has chosen to use. This session will cover:
Phonic subject knowledge
Key features of effective practice
How to develop consistency
Pronunciation
Click here to find out more.
Reading Comprehension - What do we know and what can we do?
Date: Tue 1 Oct 2024
Time: 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
During this Research into Practice Webinar, Megan Dixon will explore:
an overview of the research related to reading comprehension
what the research does (and doesn't) tell us about teaching reading comprehension
what we can do in the classroom
Signpost to some resources that can support teachers
Click here to find out more.
Vocabulary Matters
Date: 8/10/24
Time: 5pm-5.45pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
Teaching and modelling vocabulary can have a positive effect on oral language skills. We will be sharing how to develop approaches within teacher directed activities as well as child led activities.
Click here to find out more.
Lawford EdTech Study Tour
Date: 05/11/2024
Time: 09:30 to 12:00
Venue: Lawford C of E Primary School. CO11 2FR
About the Event:
• Tour of the school to see a range of technology used to support high-quality everyday Teaching and Learning
• Explore how one-to-one device ratios can accelerate the pace of learning and support inclusion for all learners from EYFS, KS1 and KS2
• Pupil showcase - meet pupils and experience the impact of technology from their point of view
• Visit the *new* production recording space for video and audio production creation by pupils
• Explore how AI is used to reduce workload, improve teacher effectiveness and efficiency, and provide real-time feedback for learners.
Click here to find out more.
Children's Perspectives on Reading for Pleasure
Date: Tue 12th Nov 2024
Time: 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
How do we best support Reading for Pleasure? How do we overcome the existing barriers that may be discouraging children from participating in this activity? In this Research into Practice webinar, Alice Reedy will draw upon her research on children's perspectives to explore answers to these questions and reflect on how we can build rich reading cultures within our schools.
Click here to find out more.
Edtech Hubs: East of England Digital Discovery Day
Date: 13/11/2024
Time: 09:30 to 14:30
Venue: Exning Primary School, Oxford St, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7EW
Spend an immersive day exploring Teaching & Learning at Exning Primary School
• Tour of the school to see a range of technology used to support high-quality everyday Teaching and Learning
• Explore how one-to-one device ratios can accelerate the pace of learning and support inclusion for all learners from EYFS, KS1 and KS2
• Pupil showcase - meet pupils and experience the impact of technology from their point of view
• Visit the *Hive* SEND unit on site and experience how pupils benefit across the school from the specialist inclusion provision
Click here to find out more.
EEF ShREC Model
Date: 14/11/2024
Time: 5pm-5.45pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
A webinar sharing the ShREC approach which is a simple, memorable set of evidence informed strategies to develop quality interactions.
Click here to find out more.
Evidence-Informed Pupil Premium Strategy Panel Webinar
Date: 27th November 2024
Time: 4pm-5pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
Join a transformative webinar hosted by Derby Research School, where we bring together experts in education to discuss evidence-informed strategies for maximising the impact of Pupil Premium funding. This panel webinar will delve into proven approaches, effective interventions, and best practices derived from robust research and real-world applications.
Participants will gain invaluable insights into:
Evidence-Based Interventions: Discovering which strategies have been shown to yield the most significant improvements in educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Learning how to utilise data effectively to tailor interventions and monitor progress.
Successful Case Studies: Exploring examples of successful implementations of Pupil Premium strategies, including key lessons learned and practical tips for replication.
Click here to find out more.
Why Adaptive teaching and formative Assessment is integral for PP/SEND students?
Date: 4th December 2024
Time: 4pm-5pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
Book on to this enlightening webinar focusing on the importance of adaptive teaching and formative assessment for Pupil Premium (PP) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) students. Join us for a session led by one of our ELEs, who will share their expertise on how these educational strategies can significantly enhance learning outcomes for disadvantaged and diverse learners.
Click here to find out more.
Talk for Language and Deeper Learning
Date: Monday 20th January 2025
Time: 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
Supporting colleagues to understand the role of talk for supporting language development and deeper learning.
Contextual vocabulary acquisition
Teaching specific words
The most neglected and yet most useful words
Teaching and promoting talk
Click here to find out more.
Pride and Progress - How leaders create LBGTQ+Inclusive Spaces
Date: Monday 29th January 2025
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
In recent years, the push for inclusivity within educational environments has gained significant momentum. Yet, while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that every student feels seen, supported, and safe. In this session you will explore the ways in which our schools and classrooms can make LGBT+ inclusive spaces. We will consider language, rights and responsibilities, best practice, and there will be time for questions and answers.
Click here to find out more.
Sustainable School Improvement
Date: 11th June 2025
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
Join us for an insightful webinar focused on sustainable school improvement strategies, designed to empower educators and school leaders with practical approaches to fostering continuous growth and success.
Click here to find out more.
Explorify Hosts Podcasts
In each podcast episode, an Explorify Engagement Leader hosts a conversation about an aspect of primary science with a guest expert. In their chat they share stories, tips and tricks and they signpost to other support and great resources.
Click here to find out more.
Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path with Google
This learning path provides an overview of generative AI concepts, from the fundamentals of large language models to responsible AI principles.
Find out more here.
Mind the Gap with Tom & Emma
In the show, Mind the Gap: Making Education Work Across the Globe, Tom and Emma interview experts from the US, UK and beyond, and share timely insights on K-12 trends; research-based approaches in need of greater reach; and innovative strategies to close global gaps.
Click here to find out more.
The Open University - Open Learn
Design your own CPD with these free resources from The Open University, created for teachers and teaching assistants working across the UK.
All the content in this hub has been selected by academics across The Open University, specifically for teachers, teaching assistants and support staff working across the secondary, primary and early years sectors, including those involved in home education, special schools and pupil referral units.
Click here to access a range of online professional learning sessions from a range of areas.
LGFL School Staff Training
LGfL in school support, training and conference events are integral parts of the LGfL Energise curriculum service provided at no extra charge for schools.
Click here to see the training opportunities that are on offer.
Free short online course: Learning for a Sustainable Future
Join a personal and professional global learning journey towards a sustainable future. What on Earth could be more important?
Click here to find out more.
Becoming a Google Certified Coach
A Google Certified Coach is someone who is :
→ Eager to support educators
→ Wanting to drive impactful technology into classrooms
→ Looking to learn research-proven strategies & skills
Does this sound like you?
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.
Adobe Professional Development Courses
Find out all about the free professional learning opportunities on offer from Adobe.
Creativity for all
Adobe Creative Cloud Express in the Classroom
Engaging Video Projects in the Classroom
and many more...
Click here to find out more.
Free online professional development webinars for educators
Oxford University Press has a range of digital webinars to help you continue your professional development online. You can find links to recordings of previously-held webinars, as well as register your interest for upcoming sessions. The recorded webinars are available to watch on demand via Brainshark and you will receive a CPD certificate after watching each one.
Click here to find out more.
Financial Education - Free Online Teacher Training
Complete a free online course, in your own time and at your own speed…
The engaging eLearning courses are self-paced and take between 1.5-2.5 hours to complete. Along the way you will:
Learn how financial education can be made real and relevant to the young people you work with
See where financial education most effectively fits within your curriculum
Discover key tools to assist in the development of financial education
Find out how to access further support and resources to aid financial education delivery
Develop a financial education Action Plan for your own
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.
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.
Free Anti-Bullying CPD online training
The following online training courses are available:
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 PL 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 PL opportunities on offer outside of the Trust.
Click here to to visit the page now.
