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Career development framework (CDF)

The career development framework (CDF) for school support staff maps common support staff roles against national training and qualifications. It is a searchable database for anyone looking for career development opportunities.

Following the introduction of the qualifications and credit framework (QCF), the CDF database is being reviewed and revised to include the new qualifications. As such, the CDF tool is currently unavailable. It will be available again soon.

Within the CDF, closely related roles are grouped together into work areas to show opportunities for:

  • progression within a job role
  • lateral transition, such as role conversion, multi-skilling and/or a career change

The framework groups training and qualifications for job roles according to QCF levels. Training programmes and qualifications not accredited to the QCF or the framework for higher education qualifications have been assigned indicative levels.

Because of different job titles and grading structures used across local authorities and schools, the CDF does not link training and qualifications to specific job titles or grades. As job titles vary between schools, it is not possible to list qualifications in this way. The CDF instead shows information by job role.

Other tools that may be of interest

CPD opportunities can be found by searching the online national CPD database. The database aims to be the first port of call for anyone looking for CPD opportunities – from teachers and support staff to those who search for CPD on their behalf, such as CPD leaders and local authority coordinators.

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My CPD

Welcome to ‘My CPD’. Save time and access in one place, tools to develop your professional career, enhance your teaching quality and impact in the classroom.

CPD Database

Visit the CPD Database to search for relevant quality assured CPD opportunities, including those that are free or specific to your role.

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Teacher Development Hub

Visit the Teacher Development Hub to access evidence based research and resources to raise performance in the classroom.

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CPD Guidance

Want to know how to get the best out of yourself and others? Access our resources to understand what good CPD looks like, how to evaluate its impact and how to write a CPD policy.