PROFESSIONAL LEARNING for 2025/26
We work collaboratively to provide high quality, evidence-informed professional learning for all staff who work in schools to benefit children. We work closely with our member schools to ensure that our programmes are relevant, meaningful in content and purposeful in application.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Aspire to Lead: Practise to Impact
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 Practise to Impact
Elevate; MITRE Teacher Programme
The Elevate Programme is designed to develop the classroom practice of participants in the long-term and is facilitated by outstanding teachers, senior leaders and SLEs with specialisms in teaching and learning. 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
NETWORKS AND COURSES
Moderation Groups
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:
SENCO 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: £175 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members.
Details and bookings: SENCO Network
Teaching Assistant SEND Network
This network offers a platform to share best practices, access resources, and gain support from peers. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, stay updated on SEND developments, or connect with colleagues, the Teaching Assistant SEND Network is here to empower you in your role, making a positive impact in every student's educational journey.
The network is for primary and secondary phase teaching assistants and other educational support staff who work with children with SEND.
Format: Three sessions a year, 1 per term
Cost: £200 per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: Teaching Assistant SEND Network
Business/Office Manager Network
This network is a professional forum designed to support those leading on finance, operations and administration across schools. Discussions in the network are wide-ranging and strategically focused. This collaborative network offers a supportive space to share expertise, gain practical insights and stay ahead in a rapidly changing educational environment.
The network is suitable for Business/Office Managers and Finance Officers.
Format: Networks have three sessions a year, 1 per term
Cost: £150per person for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: Business/Office Manager Cross-Phase Network
Nottinghamshire Music Hub - Primary Music CPD
The Primary Music CPD 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 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: TBC
SEND Hot Topics - Online
These sessions have been identified through school feedback, relating to the most pressing areas of need and support in school. These one-hour online sessions will look at how we identify needs, support our students and remove barriers to learning through adaptive teaching practices, learning environments and targeted intervention.
These sessions are for teachers, teaching assistants and other educational support staff who work with children with SEND and SEND link governors who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of how best to support young people in their learning.
Format: Five 1-hour online sessions - Autumn/Spring Terms
Cost: £30 per person for non-MLA members (3 for 2 offer), £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings:
Hot Topic 1 - SEMH and trauma informed practice
Hot Topic 2 - Dyslexia awareness and support
Hot Topic 3 - Supporting Speech and Language needs
Hot Topic 4 - Behaviour and SEND
AI in Education Admin Network
Ready to let AI take some pressure off your workload.. Join our AI network designed especially for school office staff.
Whether it’s drafting letters and newsletters, responding to parent emails, creating event posters or promotional content, we’ll explore practical ways AI tools can safely support your day-to-day tasks. You'll explore trusted tools, pick up practical time-saving tips and connect with colleagues in a supportive space - no tech jargon, just useful ideas you can put to work straight away.
This network is for all school office staff.
Format: Three sessions a year, 1 per term
Cost: £60 per person non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members.
Details and bookings: TBC
Level 2 Mental Health First Aid Certificate
An internationally recognised training programme that provides participants with the knowledge and understanding to support students with a range of mental health issues. The training leads to a certificate in Level 2 Mental Health First Aid and the resources will be available to you.
This course is for anyone who regularly works closely with children and young people in Primary and Secondary schools.
Format: In-person training for one day
Cost: £65 per person for non-MLA members, £50 for MLA members.
Details and bookings: Mental Health First Aid Certificate
Midday and Breaktime Training Courses
We have a range of development opportunities for support staff working in Early Years, Primary, Secondary and SEN schools, delivered by NSM Training and Consultancy.
These courses are suitable for Lunchtime Supervisors, Playworkers, Catering staff, Office Staff, Teaching Assistants and support staff.
Format: Each course is a 1-hour online provision
Cost: £30 per person per session for non-MLA members (5 for 3 offer), £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings:
Session 1: The Outstanding Lunchtime Supervisor: Skills for Success and Impact
Session 2: Behaviour Management Made Easy: Empowering Lunchtime Supervisors
Session 3: Play with Purpose: Practical Games and Activities for Lunchtime Supervisors
Session 4: SEND/ALN Awareness
Session 5: Rainy Day Magic: Turning Wet Play into Positive and Productive Lunchtimes