Skip to main content Sitemap Help Copyright Feedback Accessibility

Training and Development Agency for Schools
Advanced search

CPD in practice: Elms Bank Special School

Elms Bank Special School: tailored continuing professional development

Elms Bank is an 11-19 special school in Bury with 152 students. By providing continuing professional development (CPD) for all staff, the school increased the contribution they could make and revealed previously unrecognised talents. But success required different types of CPD matched to the needs of different groups.

What the school learnt

The school found that a great many staff, from all sectors of its workforce had important skills and talents which needed to be recognised. Some staff who would not normally be involved in leading staff took leading roles in CPD. The experience of taking a leading role enhanced their confidence and their careers. But meeting the CPD priorities of all staff meant CPD provision had to be tailored to meet the needs of different groups.