South Gloucestershire is wholly 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).
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.
Headteachers
An annual programme through the International Place for Headteachers (IPH) and Teachers' International Professional Development (TIPD) scheme (The British Council) has already enabled visits to Denmark, Ghana, Poland, Toronto, Alabama, Melbourne and Shanghai. Over 100 teachers and officers in South Gloucestershire have experienced an international learning opportunity in the last two years. Further study visits for teachers are planned. For more details see the page on leadership programmes.
The recent introduction of a South Gloucestershire focus course - offered in partnership with the University of the West of England, enables you to apply for a sponsored place on a Masters degree, Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma to develop your own professional practice.
Deputy headteachers
All deputy headteachers are welcome to apply for the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
New headteachers
New headteachers enjoy a programme which includes induction, needs assessment and mentoring along with additional local modules provided by key officers.
New headteachers in their first headship also attract HIP funding to assist their training during years 1 and 2. After two years in the post, headteachers will receive mentor training and join the mentor register to support first-time headteachers.
Classroom teachers
All schools are offered a wide range of training aimed at supporting the classroom teacher, 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.