LEO Professional Learning Newsletter 

Friday 21st February 2024


LEO Professional Learning Opportunities 2023-2024

LEO Professional Learning Opportunities 2023-2024


There are lots of professional development opportunities on offer for 2023-2024.

Take a look at our new LEO Professional Learning Brochure here which contains the dates and times of upcoming training sessions.

Olevi Professional Learning Programmes

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.

Click here to view the dates and book your place.

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.

Click here to view the dates and book your place for May.

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.

Click here to view the dates and book your place.

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.

Click here to view the dates and book your place.

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.

Click here to view the dates and book your place.

Subject Specific Professional Learning 

The votes are in! You voted for which subject specific professional learning sessions you would like to be held in the spring and summer terms and the chosen sessions can be found below. Places are limited so please sign up quickly to secure your place.

HOW TO ADAPT WRITING LESSONS FOR ALL PUPILS

DATE: WEDNESDAY 13TH MARCH 2024

TIME: 4PM-5.30PM

VENUE: LEO OFFICES, 314 MALDEN RD, CHEAM,

SUTTON SM3 8EQ

AUDIENCE: ALL WELCOME

(SESSION LIMITED TO 25 ATTENDEES)

THIS SESSION WILL FOCUS ON

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY PLAN AND

ADAPT LESSONS.


YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY

TO OBSERVE MODELLED

EXAMPLES AND WILL LEAVE THE

SESSION WITH LOTS OF PRACTICAL

IDEAS TO TAKE AWAY AND TRY

WITH YOUR OWN PUPILS.


Click here to book.


BASICS OF KS1 CODING


DATE: THURSDAY 25TH APRIL 2024

TIME: 4PM-5.30PM

VENUE: LEO OFFICES, 314 MALDEN RD, CHEAM,

SUTTON SM3 8EQ

AUDIENCE: ALL WELCOME


THIS SESSION WILL FOCUS ON THE

FOLLOWING AREAS:


UNDERSTANDING THE FUNDAMENTAL

CONCEPTS OF CODING


EXPLORING BEGINNER-FRIENDLY CODING

LANGUAGES AND TOOLS


Click here to book.


BASICS OF KS2 CODING

DATE: TUESDAY 18TH JUNE 2024

TIME: 4PM-5.30PM

VENUE: LEO OFFICES, 314 MALDEN RD, CHEAM,

SUTTON SM3 8EQ

AUDIENCE: ALL WELCOME

(SESSION LIMITED TO 25 ATTENDEES)


THIS SESSION WILL FOCUS ON THE

FOLLOWING AREAS:


EXPLORING BEGINNER-FRIENDLY CODING

LANGUAGES AND TOOLS


UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF CODING

IN CULTIVATING CRITICAL THINKING,

PROBLEM-SOLVING, AND COMPUTATIONAL

THINKING SKILLS


Click here to book.

COMPOSING IN THE CLASSROOM

DATE: TUESDAY 18TH JUNE 2024

TIME: 4PM-5.30PM

VENUE: LEO OFFICES, 314 MALDEN RD, CHEAM,

SUTTON SM3 8EQ

AUDIENCE: ALL WELCOME

(SESSION LIMITED TO 25 ATTENDEES)


THIS SESSION WILL IDENTIFY THE KEY

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED FOR

MUSIC COMPOSITION.


-IT WILL ALSO HIGHLIGHT THE

TECHNIQUES FOR SCAFFOLDING AND

SUPPORTING PUPILS' COMPOSITIONAL

PROCESSES.


- A VARIETY OF PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES

INCLUDING SOUNDSCAPES, MUSICAL

STORYTELLING AND RHYTHMIC

COMPOSITION GAMES WILL BE EXPLORED.


Click here to book.

ECT Subject Specific Professional Learning

ECT Training: Inclusion (First Year ECTs) 

Session overview:


* Identify and understand the specific needs of pupils with SEN


* Develop strategies for supporting pupils with SEN in the classroom


* Consider how to create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning for pupils with SEN 


* Explore strategies and resources to support pupils with ASD within a mainstream classroom.


If you are a first year ECT, please click here to book your place.

ECT Training: Computing & Digital Skills (First Year ECTs) 


Session Outline:


* To be able to define computing as a subject and explain why it is important for all children to learn as well as explore practical examples. 


* To understand what is meant by 'Pedtech' and how this can be used to support learning in the classroom.


* To consider a plan for integrating Pedtech into own teaching practice.


If you are a first year ECT, please click here to book your place.

ECT Training:  Science (First Year ECTs) 

Session Outline:



If you are a first year ECT, please click here to book your place.

Subject Leader Professional Learning

Developing the Role of the RE Subject Leader


Date: Monday 5th February 2024

Time: 9.30am-3.30pm

Venue: LEO Training Room, Cheam Common Junior Academy

Audience: Primary RE Subject Leaders 



The session aims to cover the following areas:



Booking forms have been sent to Senior Leaders in Challenge Partners SW London & Surrey Hub Schools.

PSHE Leaders - Get ready for Ofsted!


Date: Wednesday 21st February 2024 

Time: 3:30pm-5pm

Venue:  Online

Audience: PSHE Subject Leaders


The session aims to cover the following areas:


This session will introduce PSHE leads and teachers to the unique contribution PSHE education makes to the school's evidence for the Personal Development judgement, and how best to gather, present and communicate evidence of pupils’ learning and progress.


Booking forms have been sent to Senior Leaders in Challenge Partners SW London & Surrey Hub Schools.

Developing the role of the DT  subject leader


Date: Monday 11th March 2024

Time: 9.30am-4.00pm

Venue: LEO Offices, 314 Malden Road, SM3 8EQ

Audience: DT Subject Leaders


The session aims to cover the following areas:


Booking forms have been sent to Senior Leaders in Challenge Partners SW London & Surrey Hub Schools.

Professional Learning Spotlight

ECT Training: Music (Second Year ECTs) 

ECTs from across LEO Academy Trust and Sutton Education Trust enjoyed a practical professional learning session wich Director of Music, Jane Greene.

During the session ECTs explored the following areas:

Thank you Jane for leading a great session.

Year 2 Writing Network Meeting

Year 2 teachers from across LEO Academy Trust and Sutton Education Trust took part in a writing Network Meeting led by Louise Thorndycraft and Kate Ashowrth, Principals. 


Colleagues enjoyed the opportunity to network with others & to share writing examples across the schools.


Thank you to @Mrs_Ashworth2 & @LThorndycraft for facilitating!

Year 1 Writing Network Meeting


Y1 colleagues from @LEOacademies & @SuttonEdTrust joined together for a professional learning session last week.


A brilliant opportunity to develop subject knowledge in writing & maths and to network with others.


Thank you @Miss_Gibney & @NatashaDolling for facilitating!

What is teaching for mastery?

Staff from @LEOacademies enjoyed a professional learning session this week with LEO Director of Maths, @NatashaDolling, focused on 'Teaching for Mastery'.

Attendees really valued the opportunity to engage in practical activities & are now keen to try these out in their own classrooms.


Thank you Natasha for leading a great session.

Year 2 ECT Training


A great afternoon working with second year ECTs as part of the @CEL_IOE ECF  programme.


The facilitators loved hearing about the plans for practitioner inquiries this term. Lots of thoughtful discussions & reflections.


We can’t wait to see how they develop!

Professional Services Network Meeting


@LEOacademies held the Inaugural Professional Services meeting. Colleagues from HR, Finance, Estates and Services and Compliance shared insights into each area of the Trust. Leaders from Sports, Catering and Marketing were able to share  examples of their work.


We shared the @LEOacademies Vision and developed thinking around #People #Community #Sustainability #Digital 

Year 1 ECT Subject Specific Training


ECTs from @LEOacademies & @SuttonEdTrust enjoyed a great reading session today with @MrCPerrott and Mrs Watson.


A brilliant opportunity to explore:


Thank you to @HighViewPrSch for hosting!

Curriculum NLC Facilitator Meeting


It was a real pleasure to meet with our @LEOacademies Curriculum NLC Facilitators for a professional learning session this week


Our discussions focused on providing feedback to move learning forward across the wider curriculum.


A great opportunity to share ideas & explore evidence in advance of the Curriculum Network Meetings later this month.

Publications, Vlogs, Blogs and News

Feedback: a guidance hand for young writers


As educators, we are very familiar with the term ‘feedback’. Its plays a vital role in our own CPD and providing feedback – in all its forms - takes up a large proportion of our time. Feedback can be transformational. We know that “providing feedback is well-evidenced and has a high impact on learning outcomes,” (Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), T&L Toolkit but we also recognise that when “Done badly, it can even harm progress.” (EEF, Teacher Feedback to Improve Learning)


Click here to find out more.

To dramatise or not to dramatise? That is the question.

By Lancashire Research School

Gillian Fearns, experienced primary school teacher and leader, reflects on how drama can be used as an effective tool in the classroom to further develop reading comprehension skills of children.


In my Year Six class, the children are eager to start their next English unit of study: Older Literature. For this unit, it is my plan to use William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet as the focus of our study. 


Click here to find out more.

Looking for the biggest idea in EdTech today? PedTech may just be it.


To put it succinctly, Pedagogical Technology (PedTech) represents a shift in educational technology, focusing on embedding pedagogy at the core of technology integration in education. PedTech emphasizes the critical role of pedagogical decisions in shaping learning and teaching experiences, driving the use of digital technology in educational settings.


One of the points about PedTech that resonates with me is the attention placed on the impact on children and their learning.


Click here to find out more.

The activities that maximise retrieval practice and generative learning (and those that don't)


By Inner Drive


Ever wondered what you could to help students learn more and remember more? The answer may lie in Retrieval Practice and Generative Learning and, as recent research suggests, an integration of the two. But what are these concepts, and how can they be best used? Read on for:



Click here to find out more.

Working scientifically - how can we develop independence in primary science


By the Research Schools Network


Teaching primary science should be about fostering curiosity and critical thinking to enable our pupils to try and make sense of the world around them. Yet the concepts of the scientific world can often feel daunting to pupils and challenging to teach.


So how do teachers ensure that the curriculum is accessible to all pupils, enabling them to move from novice learners to expert scientific thinkers, especially for our most disadvantaged?


Click here to find out more.

External Professional Learning Opportunities 

National  Professional Qualifications

Applications for February 2024 are open.

The National Institute of Teaching delivers a range of NPQs.

February is a great time to start the qualification because it will give you an opportunity to reflect on your current practice and consider how you are going to plan and implement change for September 2024 in your school.

Find out more about the range of NPQs and how to apply here.

Please ensure you have discussed your application with your Principal as they will be needed as your reference.

Unlocking the evidence: Literacy - developing pupils' language capabilities

Tuesday 6th February

3.45pm-4.45pm

The suite of EEF literacy guidance reports across all phases all feature recommendations linked to developing the language capabilities of pupils. This twilight will summarise the most salient points, will feature examples from both primary and secondary classrooms and consider the role of interventions in this space.


The twilight is suitable for literacy leaders across all phases as well as classroom teachers and support staff.

Click here to find out more.

Tudor Grange Research School

A FREE series of six webinars exploring Assessment and Feedback. Starts on 27th February.

This series supports teachers in understanding how to apply the research evidence so that they teach in a responsive fashion. 

Sign up HERE: http://tinyurl.com/rcfrbx96

Assessment and Feedback - Getting Evidence into the Classroom Twilight Programme

Three FREE sessions will run online on Zoom and take place on consecutive Mondays at 3.45 – 4.45pm in the Spring term.

Session 3 – Evidence Takeaways: Assessment in the classroom. With Phil Stock.

Date: Monday 5 February. 3.45 – 4.45pm.

Attendees: ECTs, teachers

Please click to Register for these events.

Join Andrea Quincey and Dr Elaine Allen for our FREE webinar!

Tuesday 6 Feb, 16:00

Click here to find out more.

FREE Language and Communication in Early Years


FREE Language and Communication in Early Years - 1 hour session online

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:00 - 16:00

Click here to find out more.

SEND - Getting Evidence into the Classroom Twilight Programme

Thank you for your interest in our Getting Evidence into the Classroom Twilight Programme: SEND.

The FREE session will run online on Zoom on Monday 26 February from 3.45 – 4.45pm.

Evidence Takeaways: Strategic SEND

Attendees: SENCos, Senior Leaders

Please book your place through our online form.

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.

Primary Maths Funded Subject Leader Update

HFL Education Hub

15:45 - 17:00 01/05/2024

This funded (free to attend) live update meeting is an excellent way to keep up to date with all the news, issues and developments in maths, making it essential for all maths subject leaders to attend. 

The focus will support subject leaders to further enhance the curriculum and secure highly effective teaching and learning across the school. Attendance will ensure teachers are up to date with effective leadership, key messages and the possible actions to undertake.

Learning outcomes:

·   gain valuable awareness of the latest and emerging developments in primary mathematics.

·   receive support, advice and materials enhance understanding and share current best classroom practice. 

The webinar will be recorded to support leaders who are not able to make the live event. Please ensure that you sign up even if you cannot make the live event.

Click here to find out more.

Reading Leader Network

English Hub

Our half termly Reading Leader Network will provide an opportunity to meet other reading leaders working across the 16 London Boroughs supported by the Wandle English Hub.

Each session will focus on a different topic. There will be input from facilitators, updates from the latest research and guidance as well as opportunities for discussion, the sharing of expertise & best practice and networking.


Spring 1: Reading fluency (Tuesday 6th February)
Spring 2: Phonics Screening Check preparation (Tuesday 19th March)
Summer 1: Parental Engagement (Tuesday 7th May)
Summer 2: Strong start to the academic year (Tuesday 25th June)

They will be an online event taking place on Zoom. The sessions will be led by Matthew Courtney, Wandle English Hub Lead, and Emma Quigley, teacher Key Stage Leader and Lead of Phonics, Reading and Spelling at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School.

Click here to find out more.

Geographical Assiocation


FREE CPD VIDEO SUPPORT from @The_GA committee EY and Primary.


Click here to find out more.

WWF Training Courses

There are lots of free training courses available on the WWF website. 

Climate Change and Climate System

ESD: Driving change towards sustainable schools



Click here to find out more.

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.

Inclusive Ed Bootcamp: How to meet the needs of a diverse range of students

How can we better meet the needs of a diverse range of students? Sign up for our Inclusive Ed Bootcamp for help and advice. A free webinar series featuring Kate Griggs, the CEO of @MadeByDyslexia.


Throughout the series you will learn about:

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:


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.

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.

Click here to to visit the page now.