Accessibility Tools

Teaching and Learning

This training is facilitated by James Rawbone

 

Key objectives:

To provide an introduction to coaching by exploring the differences between mentoring and coaching and identifying what are the key principles of effective coaching.

 

The training session will involve facilitated discussion on understanding what coaching is and is not, supported by opportunities for group discussion to unpick key elements of coaching.

There will be a focus on identifying the differences between mentoring and coaching, and the two key fundamentals to effective coaching of listening and responding.

The use of the GROW model to structure a coaching conversation will be explored, along with introducing some tools that can be used to self-evaluate the effectiveness of coaching.

Session Outcomes:

An understanding of what makes coaching different to mentoring. Introduction to skills that can be used to ensure that a coaching conversation is effective.

 

Event Date Wed, 03 Dec 2025 3:30 pm
Event End Date Wed, 03 Dec 2025 5:30 pm
Cut off date Thu, 27 Nov 2025
Individual Participant Price Secondary and Primary SLA members 2 free places. Non-members £20 per delegate
Location Online via Zoom

We are no longer accepting registration for this event

Alex Quigley, the Head of Content and Engagement for The Education Endowment Foundation, will facilitate this training. Alex is the author of multiple books for educators, including “Why Learning Fails (And What To Do About It) and a regular contributor to the TES Magazine.

Key objectives for this training:

  • Develop a confident understanding of adaptive teaching
  • Consider scaffolding as a key facet of adaptive teaching (high challenge, high support)
  • Understand adaptive reaching in relation to supporting high-needs pupils
  • Plan for implementing high-quality universal teaching and targeted support

Session structure

Session 1: What problem is adaptive teaching solving? Understand, define, and initiate planning to establish adaptive teaching for universal teaching and targeted support

Session 2: Consider the 3As model for adaptive teaching and the central role of scaffolding

Session 3: Supporting implementation in every classroom – structured planning and sustaining success (targeting support to individuals, whilst providing high-quality adaptive teaching for all).

             Session Outcomes:

  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the national context, defining adaptive teaching, and targeted academic support.
  • Practical implementation planning to put the knowledge into action.

 

Event Date Thu, 04 Dec 2025 9:00 am
Event End Date Thu, 04 Dec 2025 3:00 pm
Cut off date Fri, 28 Nov 2025
Individual Participant Price £175 per delegate non-members; Secondary SLA members 2 free places. Lunch and refreshments included
Location GUTP House Training Centre

Matt Pinkett is an English teacher with a personal and professional interest in gender and masculinity in schools. He is co-author of the bestselling book Boys Don’t Try? and the author of Boys Do Cry. Matt has also blogged and written for several publications, and delivers regular CPD sessions on the topic of teaching and masculinity.Join Matt for an eye-opening, thought-provoking training session that explores the complex world of gender, masculinity, and mental health and wellbeing in today’s classrooms. Drawing on his acclaimed books and years of experience, Matt will challenge common assumptions, share practical strategies, and help educators create environments where boys can thrive.Perfect for teachers, school leaders, and pastoral staff, this session will equip you to better understand the pressures boys face, tackle harmful stereotypes, and support wellbeing.

Focus:

Session 1 - Are boys being supported to express emotion/empathy?

Session 2 - How often is “boys will be boys” thinking challenged?

Session 3 - Challenging online misogyny in schools.

Session 4 - Creating positive role models.

Session 5 - Improving boys’ mental health and wellbeing in schools.

 

Event Date Wed, 14 Jan 2026 9:30 am
Event End Date Wed, 14 Jan 2026 3:00 pm
Cut off date Fri, 09 Jan 2026
Individual Participant Price £175 per delegate non-members; Secondary SLA members 2 free places. Lunch included.
Location GUTP House Training Centre

Samantha Austin (TOVE School Improvement Director Teaching and Learning) facilitates this training

Aimed at all  secondary school class teachers. The training will explore a range of powerful teaching approaches and strategies to foster independence, critical thinking, and motivation. To develop teachers’ pedagogical knowledge in order to encourage autonomy by creating an environment that encourages self-directed learning, challenge, decision-making, and responsibility for pupils progress. Practitioners will gain a deeper knowledge of why it is important to develop learners’ autonomy and have some practical strategies to build on their practice and take back to their departments.

 

Areas of Focus:

·       Fostering a ‘growth mindset’ in our classrooms.

·       Embedding a culture of self-reflection and evaluation in the classroom.

·       Setting clear learning goals and scaffolding.

·       Strategies to develop ‘critical thinking’ in every day teaching with a focus on creating the                        effective questions and tasks.

·       How to promote and encourage speaking and listening in in our classrooms in order to develop            autonomy.

 

 

Event Date Thu, 29 Jan 2026 9:00 am
Event End Date Thu, 29 Jan 2026 4:00 pm
Cut off date Thu, 22 Jan 2026
Individual Participant Price £50 per delegate non-members; Secondary SLA members 2 free places. Lunch provided
Location GUTP House Training Centre

This training is facilitated by David Robinson - School Improvement Director (SEND and Inclusion) at TOVE

The Olevi Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme is an opportunity for experienced teaching assistants who are, or who have the potential to be, outstanding in their role.

The sessions will develop the potential for teaching assistants to build upon their existing high level of practice and have a wider impact on improving the quality of teaching and learning across the school. This will allow participants to explore their current practice within a collaborative learning environment with colleagues.

This training is suitable for both Primary and Secondary Teaching Assistants.

The training will cover the following areas:

  • What is an effective TA?
  • Using different methods and styles of support to challenge learners
  • Creating opportunities for learning
  • Maximising impact

 

Lunch provided for the first day’s training; this is a repeat of last year’s course.

 The session dates are 

Friday 6th February 2026 - 09:30-14:30

Friday 6th March 2026 – 09:30-13:00

Event Date Fri, 06 Feb 2026 9:30 am
Event End Date Fri, 06 Feb 2026 2:30 pm
Cut off date Fri, 30 Jan 2026
Individual Participant Price £230.00 per delegate non-members; Secondary SLA members 2 free places; Primary SLA members £170 per delegate
Event Venue Information http://bit.ly/2RyDCwm
Location GUTP House Training Centre

 James Rawbone facilitates this training

 

Key objectives:

To provide an introduction to coaching by exploring the differences between mentoring and coaching and identifying what are the key principles of effective coaching.

The training session will involve facilitated discussion on understanding what coaching is and is not, supported by opportunities for group discussion to unpick key elements of coaching.

There will be a focus on identifying the differences between mentoring and coaching, and the two key fundamentals to effective coaching of listening and responding.

The use of the GROW model to structure a coaching conversation will be explored, along with introducing some tools that can be used to self-evaluate the effectiveness of coaching.

Session Outcomes:

An understanding of what makes coaching different to mentoring. Introduction to skills that can be used to ensure that a coaching conversation is effective.

 

Note: This is a repeat of the training held on 3/12/2025

 

Event Date Wed, 11 Feb 2026 3:30 pm
Event End Date Wed, 11 Feb 2026 5:30 pm
Cut off date Fri, 06 Feb 2026
Individual Participant Price Secondary and Primary SLA members 2 free places. Non-members £20 per delegate
Location Online via Zoom

This training is facilitated by Kim Lynch

 

Join this practical online session designed for Teaching Assistants, Teachers, and SENCOs who want to make a real difference for pupils with dyscalculia. Suitable for secondary school-based colleagues.

 

The session will explore:

  •  What is dyscalculia, and what do we know about the causes and indicators
  • What difficulties are associated with dyscalculia
  • How to assess dyscalculia
  • Advice for assessing need and designing support for young people with dyscalculia.
Event Date Wed, 25 Feb 2026 3:30 pm
Event End Date Wed, 25 Feb 2026 5:00 pm
Cut off date Fri, 13 Feb 2026
Individual Participant Price Secondary SLA members 2 free places. £20 per delegate non-members
Location Online via Zoom

This training is facilitated by David Robinson - School Improvement Director (SEND and Inclusion) at TOVE

The Olevi Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme is an opportunity for experienced teaching assistants who are, or who have the potential to be, outstanding in their role.

The sessions will develop the potential for teaching assistants to build upon their existing high level of practice and have a wider impact on improving the quality of teaching and learning across the school. This will allow participants to explore their current practice within a collaborative learning environment with colleagues.

This training is suitable for both Primary and Secondary Teaching Assistants.

The training will cover the following areas:

  • What is an effective TA?
  • Using different methods and styles of support to challenge learners
  • Creating opportunities for learning
  • Maximising impact

 

Lunch provided for the first day’s training; this is a repeat of last year’s course.

 The session dates are 

Friday 6th February 2026 - 09:30-14:30

Friday 6th March 2026 – 09:30-13:00

Event Date Fri, 06 Mar 2026 9:30 am
Event End Date Fri, 06 Mar 2026 1:00 pm
Individual Participant Price £230.00 per delegate non-members; Secondary SLA members 2 free places; Primary SLA members £170 per delegate
Event Venue Information http://bit.ly/2RyDCwm
Location GUTP House Training Centre

Gary Aubin facilitates this training.

Gary Aubin brings a wealth of expertise and practical insight to this session. As the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) Content Specialist for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Gary plays a key role in shaping national guidance and supporting schools to improve outcomes for all learners. He is the creator of the widely respected SENDMatters.co.uk blog and author of The Lone SENDCO, a highly regarded handbook offering clear, grounded support for SENDCOs navigating the complexities of the role.

Audience

The training session is suitable for SENCOs, Deputy SENCOs, and Senior Leaders.

Join us for a dynamic, practical session that goes beyond simply collecting information. We will dive into the real “so what?” of data—showing you how to transform what you gather into meaningful actions that shape and strengthen your provision.

Discover how to balance targeted interventions with high-quality teaching and learn the core principles that make interventions truly effective. Whether you are looking to refine your current approach or build confidence in decision-making, this session will equip you with the tools, clarity, and strategies to make every piece of data count.

Empower your practice. Elevate your outcomes. Book your place today!

 

Event Date Wed, 18 Mar 2026 9:00 am
Event End Date Wed, 18 Mar 2026 4:00 pm
Cut off date Wed, 11 Mar 2026
Individual Participant Price £80.00 per delegate non-members; Secondary SLA members 2 free places. Primary SLA members 1 free place. Lunch and refreshments included.
Event Venue Information http://bit.ly/2RyDCwm
Location GUTP House Training Centre

This training is facilitated by James Rawbone

 

Key objectives:

To provide an introduction to coaching by exploring the differences between mentoring and coaching and identifying what are the key principles of effective coaching.

 

The training session will involve facilitated discussion on understanding what coaching is and is not, supported by opportunities for group discussion to unpick key elements of coaching.

There will be a focus on identifying the differences between mentoring and coaching, and the two key fundamentals to effective coaching of listening and responding.

The use of the GROW model to structure a coaching conversation will be explored, along with introducing some tools that can be used to self-evaluate the effectiveness of coaching.

Session Outcomes:

An understanding of what makes coaching different to mentoring. Introduction to skills that can be used to ensure that a coaching conversation is effective.

 

Note: This is a repeat of the February training.

 

Event Date Wed, 01 Jul 2026 3:30 pm
Event End Date Wed, 01 Jul 2026 5:30 pm
Cut off date Wed, 24 Jun 2026
Individual Participant Price Secondary and Primary SLA members 2 free places. Non-members £20 per delegate
Location Online via Zoom

By Post or Email

SWAN Training School Alliance

GUTP House
Sponne School
Brackley Road
Towcester
Northamptonshire
NN12 6DJ

Telephone: 01327 350284 x 7251

Send us a Message

Sponne School website

How to Find Us