Professional Development at Willow Tree Academy

At Willow Tree Academy, we are deeply committed to nurturing excellence at every level of our organisation. To ensure that all staff are highly effective in their roles, we have established a comprehensive and strategic network of professional development opportunities. Our goal is to foster strong leadership, consistent improvement, and a supportive culture across our schools.

Laying the Foundations for Excellence

We offer:

• A robust induction programme to support new staff in their transition into the Trust.
• High-quality CPD for all staff at every level, ensuring continuous professional growth across all roles - from teaching assistants to senior leaders.
• Focused support for Early Career Teachers, including mentoring, classroom coaching, and developmental training.
• Leadership development pathways, designed to identify and nurture talent at every stage - from aspiring middle leaders to experienced Headteachers.
  
  

Coaching with Purpose, Leading with Clarity

We offer:

• Termly coaching sessions for all senior leaders to reflect, set goals, and build leadership resilience.
• Supervision support for key roles across our schools, contributing to our culture of care and collective responsibility.
  
  

Collaborative Networks for School Improvement

Half-termly specialist leader networks support development in key priority areas, such as:

• Early Years
• SEND

Curriculum Leaders also work collaboratively through subject-specific networks, co-developing our curriculum model, sharing expertise, and reducing duplication across schools.

Championing Inclusion and Positive Behaviour

Our dedicated Behaviour and Inclusion Leader supports schools with training, consultation, and strategic advice on inclusive practices. This includes:

• Group consultation sessions.
• Tailored CPD for leaders and classroom staff.
• Practical support during complex challenges.
  
  

Empowering Governance through Development

At Willow Tree Academy, we recognise the vital role that our Local Governing Boards play in driving school improvement and ensuring accountability. We offer a comprehensive and responsive governor development programme, which includes:

• Governor Engagement in School Self-Evaluation (SEF) - Structured sessions that actively involve governors in the self-evaluation process, deepening their understanding of school priorities and impact.
• Targeted CPD - High-quality, tailored training on key responsibilities such as:
• Safeguarding
• Pupil Premium strategy
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Networking Opportunities - Opportunities to connect with governors across Willow Tree Academy and the local authority, broadening perspectives and promoting shared learning.

Quality Assurance Through 'Testing the Mission'

Each year, Headteachers and senior leaders participate in Quality Assurance through our Testing the Mission Days across all our schools. These are led either by:

• Our School Improvement Partner or
• Trust School Improvement Team
  
  

These evaluations serve two purposes:

• They are developmental for the host school.
• They provide professional growth opportunities for participants by exposing them to diverse leadership and improvement practices.