The Aspire to Lead programme develops your knowledge, understanding and application of key leadership behaviours and approaches. Over the course of two terms, you will work in mixed cross-phase groups, in face-to-face sessions, through personal reflection and individual learning in your school, and put your learning into practice by leading a project linked to your school’s improvement priorities. You will also have access to a coach based in your school who will support your learning throughout the programme.

The programme is suitable for new or aspiring leaders, or existing middle leaders who are seeking to develop their practice and understanding of what makes them effective.

Format: Six face-to-face sessions over two terms
Cost: £300 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: Aspire to Lead: From Practice to Impact

The Elevate Programme is designed to develop the classroom practice of participants in the long-term and is facilitated by staff with expertise in and a passion for both the science and craft of teaching. This programme provides the opportunity to reflect on and develop pedagogy, engage with evidence and research on what makes effective teaching and become reflective practitioners.

This programme is for any teacher who wants to develop their practice in a supportive environment, focusing on what makes great teaching. Typically, we work with teachers in the developing years of their career following the Early Career Framework, although the programme is also suitable for more experienced colleagues who want the chance to revisit and develop their pedagogy.

Format: Seven sessions over two terms, with a mixture of afternoons and twilights
Cost: £300 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: Elevate: MITRE Teaching Programme

Our Hot Topics programme has been developed in response to feedback from colleagues across our Trust, including those working in operational and non-classroom-based roles. We have expanded our programme to include sessions focused on the skills, knowledge and confidence that support everyday practice.

These one-hour online sessions provide practical, evidence-informed guidance, helping participants develop their knowledge, reflect on current practice and explore strategies that can be implemented within their own setting.

All Hot Topic sessions are open to every member of staff. Whether you are looking to broaden your knowledge, explore a new area or support your own professional development, you are welcome to attend any session.

Format: 1 hour online sessions throughout the academic year.
Cost: £40 per person for non-MLA members (3 for 2 offer), £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: (please click on the session titles below to book your place)

AI Hot Topics
Using Chalkie to get the most from your planning
Using Chalkie to create a lesson series
Using AI to Make Everyday Work Easier
Using Chalkie to Support Individual Learners and Adaptive Teaching
Using Chalkie to Collaborate with Colleagues and Build Shared Resources
Using AI for Workflows: From Busy to Efficient
Using Canva to Create Professional Resources

Professional Skills Hot Topics
Understanding and Responding to Pupil Behaviour
Communication that Works: Building Positive Relationships
Mental Health and Wellbeing: Caring for Yourself Whilst Supporting Others
OPAL Play and Supporting Positive Experiences
Understanding and Promoting the Mental Health of Children and Young People
Successfully Managing a Project

Teaching & Learning Hot Topics
Understanding PDA Profiles and PANDA
Supporting Pupils with Dyslexia Through Technology
Pupil Premium in Practice: Supporting Impact Across Our Schools
Every Voice Counts; how you can support speech and language in the classroom
Introduction to Declarative Language
Supporting our EAL pupils and students
New National Curriculum: Where Are We Now?
Young Carers: Understanding their experiences and needs
Adaptive Teaching: Deepening Practice
LAC and PLAC: Effective Support in Schools

The Teaching Assistant Programme develops your knowledge, understanding and skills in supporting children with SEND in your role as a Teaching Assistant. The programme covers the four areas of need and the key ways in which you can support children with SEND to make progress and flourish.

The programme is suitable for all Teaching Assistants who are seeking to develop their practice and understanding of what makes them effective.

Format: Six face-to-face sessions over two terms
Cost: £300 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: SEND Impact Programme

Following a successful first year, our AI Champions Network continues to bring together colleagues from across the Trust to explore the potential of AI in education.

This network provides a space to share best practice, celebrate successes, trial new AI tools and learn from one another as AI continues to evolve. Whether you are new to AI or already using it in your role, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and help shape the Trust's future approach to AI.

Open to all staff, in any role. No previous AI experience is required.

Format: Six sessions a year, 2 per term
Cost: £150 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: AI Champions Network

This network brings together Designated Safeguarding Leads to share legislative and policy updates, best practice and emerging safeguarding priorities. It provides a collaborative forum to support continued professional development and strengthen safeguarding practice across our schools.

This network is for all DSLs in primary and secondary schools.

Format: Three sessions a year, 1 per term
Cost: £150 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members.
Details and bookings: Designated Safeguarding Lead Network

The MLA runs three moderation groups for primary colleagues: EYFS, KS1 and KS2. These provide the opportunity to share examples of work, marking standards and inform curriculum development. The moderation groups are for colleagues involved in the planning, delivery and assessment of the curriculum in each key stage.

Format: Moderation groups operate on a termly basis with 3 sessions per year
Cost: £150 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings:

EYFS Moderation Network
KS1 Moderation Network
KS2 Moderation Network

This network provides a strong and supportive learning community, ideal for leaders and teachers who wish to work together to explore best practice in music education from a national and local perspective. It provides the opportunity for professionals to collaborate and share strategies to improve outcomes and experiences for pupils in all schools.

This network is for Primary subject leaders and those involved in delivering music in Nottinghamshire schools.

Format: Three sessions a year, 1 per term
Cost: £120 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: Primary Music Network (dates and booking details TBC)

This network offers a supportive space to explore key aspects of leadership, share good practice and reflect on real-life case studies. Leaders will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions around current educational issues, collaborate with peers and develop practical strategies to take back to their schools. Whether you are looking to grow your leadership confidence, stay informed or simply connect with others in similar roles, this network is here to support your journey.

This network is designed specifically for senior leaders (excluding Head Teachers) working in primary schools

Format: Three sessions a year, 1 per term
Cost: £150 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: Primary Leaders Network

This network offers the opportunity to share updates on local and national developments in SEND, develop skills and knowledge, learn from new and innovative research, and network with colleagues to share and further develop their practice.

This network is for SENCOs in primary and secondary schools.

Format: Three sessions a year, 1 per term
Cost: £150 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members.
Details and bookings: SENCO Network

Minster Learning Alliance, Minster Trust for Education Rufford Court Wellow Road Eakring NG22 0DF

Dave Boothroyd, Director – Minster Learning Alliance d.boothroyd@mitretrust.org.uk |
01636 551108

Stacey Sills, Professional Learning Coordinator – Minster Learning Alliance s.sills@mitretrust.org.uk | 01636 551103