It has been developed through discussions with stakeholders from across the education sector, including representatives of primary and secondary schools, subject associations, local educational authorities, higher education institutions, national bodies and representative organisations.

The programme has also been shaped by the findings and recommendations of various reports, studies and reviews.

Of particular interest are the following:

A report on the award-bearing INSET scheme – David Soulsby, David Swain (March 2003)

Making a difference – The impact of award bearing in-service training on school improvement – Ofsted (January 2004)

In-service postgraduate training courses for teachers: An overview report of inspections of courses funded by the Teacher Training Agency – Ofsted (January 2001)

How does collaborative continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers of the 5-16 age range affect teaching and learning?- Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (June 2003 )

Guidance drawn from a DfES pilot scheme on English as an additional language