As an authority we are committed to continuous improvement and this includes developing all of our staff so that they can make the most effective contribution to raising standards.
The DfES website 'TeacherNet' provides detailed information on national professional development initiatives.
Across the County we offer access to a wide range of continuous professional development and this is provided through:
- A central programme of development activities and conferences.
- An e-booking system that enables you to browse the complete portfolio of training available.
- Bespoke development activities planned with the school, addressing specific needs, using methods that will impact upon practice and pupil achievement.
- A co-ordinator for continuous professional development in each school
- A delegated budget which all schools receive, so that they can best match staff development to there overall school development plans.
Staffordshire has three dedicated resource centres across the County:
The largest of these is the Kingston Centre, Stafford, which is also the work base for most of our curriculum support staff and our Humanities Resource Centre. Kingston provides state-of-the-art accommodation notably for ICT training across the curriculum, with a wide range of training, conference and workshop facilities. In the north of the County is the Seabridge Centre based in Newcastle-under-Lyme and in East Staffordshire the Burton Centre is the main base for professional development.
Professional Development in Staffordshire 
Staffordshire's strong support for continuing professional development is a key factor in promoting the recruitment and retention of teachers.
We endeavour to provide...
- High quality induction programmes and continuing professional development
- Programmes of training and development are comprehensive and designed to meet the needs of our schools.
- The authority evaluates the take-up and impact of courses carefully and the information is used to decide future content, venues and organisation.
- National training and also the opportunity to gain additional qualifications are also well supported by the LEA.
- We promote a wide range of staff development and training, offering a high-quality service for all teachers.
Leadership and Management
Staffordshire is committed to securing sustained professional development with particular reference to enhancing the leadership potential of teachers.
The County Council Education Service…
- Has established programmes to extend teachers' and headteachers' professional knowledge and skills
- And to enhance the leadership and management potential of young teachers with the County
- Is proactive in supporting the development of school leadership teams through well supported management and development programmes
- Actively promotes national programmes such as those for aspiring headteachers and for serving headteacherss
Advanced Skills Teachers
Staffordshire is actively supporting the recruitment of Advanced Skills Teachers. These teachers are deployed to support certain schools across the County and also benefit from a comprehensive programme of training.
Fast Track Teaching
Fast Track is an individually tailored professional development programme that will provide teachers with the support and experience to become a leader in education. Staffordshire is proactively involved in the fast track scheme - supporting young teachers to progress through to management positions using a rapid and streamlined programme of work experience and professional development, balanced with high-quality support.
Teachers' International Professional Development (TIPD) Study Visits
The DfES (Department for Education and Skills) funded TIPD programme offers a unique opportunity for teachers (and TAs where applicable) to experience good educational practice in different countries around the world. It is also an excellent way to create international links with schools and colleagues in another country and/or continent.
"TIPD aims to improve standards by widening professional experience through international study visits, and provides an opportunity for teachers to act as reflective practitioners, engaging in critical dialogue about the necessary skills and effective methods for enhancing classroom performance…TIPD offers teachers a focused and challenging learning experience through a period of immersion in the education system of another country".
In the past employees of the County Council have visited Denmark, Australia and Canada. The destination is determined by the British Council depending on the proposed theme for the visit. Priority themes are drawn up by the DfES based on expert consultation and in line with government priorities. Other themes may be considered where suitably justified and where excellence is known to exist overseas.
Staffordshire has a dedicated web area for further information about the TIPD Programme.
Further details can also be found on the British Council's website
Last Modified:
31/10/2008 10:04:01
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