The SWDB consists of representatives from the national bodies most closely involved in funding, promoting learning and skills, and providing training for school support staff.

More people are working in our schools than ever before, including almost half a million support staff. To provide the best possible outcomes for children, schools must create conditions that enable all staff to realise their potential: a culture where all staff are valued and enjoy high morale and job satisfaction.

Support staff who are well trained, fairly rewarded, and clear about their distinctive contribution, can be instrumental in the work of raising standards and enriching the lives of children.

The SWDB consists of:

• the Department for Education and Skills,
• the Employers’ Organisation for local government,
• the Learning and Skills Council,
• the National College for School Leadership,
• the National Strategies,
• the national support staff Centre of Vocational Excellence,
• Ofsted,
• the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, and
• the Workforce Agreement Monitoring Group (WAMG, which includes workforce unions).

In 2006 the SWDB published a three-year strategy for training and developing school support staff.

The National Advisory Group (NAG) for the Professional Development of the Children’s Workforce in Schools replaces two separate stakeholder reference groups: the National Reference Group (NRG) for teachers’ professional development and the School Workforce Development Board (SWDB).  A professional development strategy for the children’s workforce in schools 2009-12 will be published by the TDA in the summer.