Materials to support school improvement

Whole-school CPD to improve learning and teaching

Whole-school systematic CPD is a core element of the Improving Schools Programme (ISP). A range of professional development meetings (PDMs) have been developed for schools and LAs to support CPD in key development areas. The PDMs are an effective mechanism for improving teaching and learning and raising standards. Their regularity retains the programme’s high profile, and attendance is expected from all staff. Each PDM should reflect and support the half-termly priorities of the raising attainment plan (RAP) and follows the same agenda: introducing the half-term literacy and mathematics curricular targets; introducing the teaching and learning focuses for the meeting; and linking them to the key themes. There is an emphasis on professional discussion to support staff in reflecting on current practice and progress since the last meeting. The use of the personal CPD log encourages staff to set individual short-term targets and to extend opportunities for professional dialogue among all staff.

We strongly advise you to read PDM 1: Whole school improvement CPD materials before approaching any of the other attached PDM materials and support for setting layered curricular targets.