Continuous Professional Learning and Development 

Ongoing professional learning ensures all staff feel confident, knowledgeable and empowered to support children and young people with diverse needs. Effective CPD is part of a culture of continuous improvement, shaped by local context, staff feedback and the needs of children and young people. It prioritises practical, evidence-informed learning that strengthens classroom practice and builds professional confidence. When leaders invest in staff development and communicate these priorities clearly, it enhances the quality of provision, supports staff wellbeing and contributes to a positive and inclusive school culture. 

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View the ‘Continuous Professional Learning and Development’ Parent Carer Guide

Expectations

All staff understand how their role contributes to children and young people feeling safe, included, confident and able to learn. 

Ongoing SEND-focused CPD is planned for all staff and is tailored to the needs of the cohort, setting and local community, complementing whole-school priorities. 

Early Career Teachers and new staff receive SEND-specific training as part of their induction. 

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Staff contribute to their own professional learning through co-designed processes that recognise their strengths, interests and development needs.

Leaders identify learning and development needs through a range of approaches and provide targeted training, evaluating its impact on practice and outcomes. 

Professional learning promotes staff wellbeing, confidence and a positive culture of support. 

Schools communicate key CPD priorities to families to build shared understanding of how staff are developing their SEND practice. 

Professional learning draws on expertise from Local Authority SEND Services, therapy teams, external partners and locality networks such as SENCO Consortia.

Signposts and Support