South Gloucestershire is committed to supporting and developing its school-based staff through our extensive annual programme of Continuing Professional Development, which utilises the existing good practice of teaching and leadership within our schools.
We offer full programmes of induction for newly qualified teachers, their mentors, primary deputy headteachers and for recently appointed SENCOs (special educational needs co-ordinators), and headteachers.
We're confident that our approaches to professional development offer a comprehensive framework of support which can be accessed at various levels throughout an individual's career.
Head teachers and leaders
A leadership academy was established in 2004. This is a forum for but not exclusively, head teachers. The Leadership Academy has held innovative leadership days, a three day International Leadership Symposium and residential conferences. Visit: www.southglosleadershipacademy.org.uk to view the work of the Leadership Academy, including our day and residential courses.
Over 200 teachers and officers in South Gloucestershire have experienced an international learning opportunity in the last two years.
Deputy headteachers
All assistant and deputy headteachers can apply for the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) when eighteen months from wishing to apply for Headship. This qualification is now statutory for those appointed to Headship. In addition, there are ongoing professional development opportunities for those involved in middle and senior leadership, including bespoke network conferences and aspiring to middle and senior leadership courses.
New headteachers
New headteachers enjoy a programme which includes induction, needs assessment and mentoring along with additional local modules provided by key officers.
All teachers
All schools are offered a wide range of training aimed at supporting the classroom and non-class based teachers, including courses focused on subject knowledge and leadership, assessment, special educational needs, the role of ICT in learning and the development of management and leadership skills.
Support staff
All schools have access to a programme of training, courses and networks for those in support roles. These roles are vital and constantly evolving. Much training is now offered in collaboration with local partnerships including City of Bristol and Filton Colleges, (for example Teaching Assistant training) and Best Practice Network (HLTA - Higher Level Teaching Assistant Status).
Bespoke and consultancy services
We are able to offer tailored consultancy, and bespoke programmes as well as standard offers and Service Level Agreements in the following areas:
- School Improvement;
- Training;
- ICT;
- Finance;
- Personnel;
- Sports;
- Student & Family;
- Support;
- Buildings & Grounds;
- Catering; and
- Creative Design & Print.
School improvement and training
This service includes most aspects of school improvement, including:
- standards and achievement;
- having a named link school improvement officer;
- leadership and management;
- working with Local Leaders of Education (LLEs);
- defining vision and values;
- support for Ofsted inspection;
- Inclusion and SEN;
- Safeguarding;
- CAF and risk taking behaviours;
- personal development and wellbeing;
- spiritual, moral, social and cultural development;
- curriculum and provision;
- school business management;
- self evaluation;
- professional development of the whole workforce;
- performance management and capacity building.
Bespoke consultancy may support individuals, small groups, schools, or groups of schools including the organisation and delivery of conferences.
For further details on professional development for all school staff, contact:
Liz.Townend@southglos.gov.uk (CPD training programmes)
Helean.Hughes@southglos.gov.uk (Headteacher curricular development programmes)
Sue.Morgan@southglos.gov.uk (Bespoke consultancy support)
Courses are listed at www.sgsts.org.uk
We welcome your attendance at many of our CPD opportunities even if you are not currently employed in a South Gloucestershire school. Do browse the site and get back to us if you would like to discuss your needs.