Getting the most of out of your INSET time, top tips from CPD expert Sue Kelly
Meet our expert > Sue Kelly
“Research into the use of these five (inset) days……..suggests that, initially they had not always been used productively by schools (Harland et al., 1999). Although matters have improved, there is still much variation in how effectively these training days are being used for development purposes, an area of interest to the TTA and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES)” Leading and Managing Continuing Professional Development - Earley and Bubb
With large numbers of staff to provide for in some schools– over 90 teaching staff in my school alone plus in excess of 80 support staff – it can be an anxious time for even more experienced co-ordinators as we desperately try to match the provision on the day to the needs of large numbers of discerning professionals who bring with them a huge range of skills, experiences and levels of expertise. Add to this the need to provide value for money and to lead the way in modelling fundamental principles of effective CPD at the same time (ie practising what we preach!) – and it isn’t difficult to understand why a forthcoming Inset day can seriously affect the sleep patterns of even the most robust CPD leaders. This series of short articles is designed to provide some practical ideas for creative, imaginative and cost effective approaches to planning effective Inset days in your school ; ones which will also have real impact.