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Introducing the GTC Networks.
Good teaching needs good networks and good networks need good teachers.
The GTC Networks provide support by linking teachers nationally and putting them in touch with the latest research and evidence. They let teachers have a voice at national debates on changes to education.
Connect project group: Special Settings and CPD
The latest news from Connect’s Special Settings and CPD project group.
In November 2005, we invited a cross section of managers and leaders from special settings such as pupil referral units, hospital schools, special schools and others in non-standard settings to help us:
- identify the issues surrounding CPD in special settings
- shape the future work of the project group, and
- share best practice in special settings through the project group.
The challenges
Delegates were asked to identify the challenges around CPD in their own settings. These were:
- time
- relevance and breadth of training needs
- isolation
- funding
- need to develop more school–based CPD
- small staff groups
- breadth and range of ability/disability needs
- balancing institutional needs against national directives e.g. OFSTED, DfES
- inclusion of non-teaching staff
- working in partnership with the local authority
- provision of emotional support for pupils through supervision
- providing effective supply cover, and
- recruitment and retention, including and supporting part-time staff.
They’ll share their good practice…
In spite of these constraints, many delegates felt that they had examples of best practice in CPD that they would be able to share with others in the project group and more generally with the Connect network.
You can also read an article on CPD and unattached teachers that evolved from a conversation at this meeting:
CPD and Unattached Teachers
Will you share yours?
If you have any examples of good practice, suggestions for articles or would like to be more involved in the Special Settings and CPD project group, please get in touch.
Email us at: connect@gtce.org.uk
(Please include the subject line: Special Settings and CPD)
