MTPT Parental Leave Group Coaching 2026-27

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

 

Empowering group coaching to support teachers, leaders and support staff navigating parental leave.

It can be easy to feel isolated or drifting on your parental leave, particularly if you are used to the bustle and pace of school and the classroom.

The MTPT Project’s Parental Leave Group Coaching programme brings you together with other colleagues on leave to share experiences, motivate yourself with personalised goals, and celebrate as you grow and flourish with your new baby.

In three 60 minute Zoom sessions, we’ll focus on key themes relevant to The MTPT Project community:

  • Transition and Identity: who am I now?
  • Limiting Beliefs: what’s holding me back?
  • Empowering Visions: where do I want to go?

All Coffee cohorts are 09:30-10:30

Dates for the Autumn “Coffee” cohort are:

  • Tuesday 15th September 2026
  • Tuesday 13th October 2026
  • Tuesday 10th November 2026

Dates for the Spring “Coffee” cohort are:

  • Thursday 11th March 2027
  • Thursday 15th April 2027
  • Thursday 13th May 2027

Dates for the Early Summer “Coffee” cohort are:

  • Tuesday 25th May 2027
  • Tuesday 22nd June 2027
  • Tuesday 20th July 2027

Dates for the Mid-Summer cohort, 14:00-15:00, are:

  • Friday 2nd July 2027
  • Friday 30th July 2027
  • Friday 27th August 2027

RECORDED ACCESS Thursday, 16 July 2026 at 09:30 – Saturday, 10 July 2027 at 11:30

Fully-Funded Access

This progamme is fully-funded for state school colleagues in England (teachers, leaders, support staff, central Trust colleagues, and those intending to return to state school settings following parental leave / a caring-related career break.)

BOOK DIRECT ON EVENTBRITE HERE

Workshop places are fully-funded for state-school colleagues in England thanks to support from our regional school, MAT and TSH partners. Please do thank your local organisation on social media or in person for their support.

Emma Sheppard
Founder of The MaternityTeacher PaternityTeacher Project
Inspiring, empowering and connecting teachers choosing to complete CPD on parental leave.

Book in a call with me: www.calendly.com/emmasheppard

www.mtpt.org.uk

Instagram: @mtptproject

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mtpt-project/

Facebook: @The MTPT Project

Network | Early Years 2026-27

/in , , , , /by

Join our Early Years Network for all teachers in nursery and reception run by Alban Education in collaboration with Acorns Early Years Training Centre.  An excellent opportunity to learn from experienced leaders, to share knowledge and discuss common challenges.

Face to face twilight sessions will be held termly from 4pm to 5.30pm at Ludwick Nursery School on the following dates:

  • Autumn date tbc
  • Spring date tbc
  • Summer date tbc

This network is £30 in advance for all three sessions or delegates joining part way through the year will be charged at £10 per session.

Who is this course for?

This network is for qualified teachers working in EYFS.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

This network will be for anyone within EYFS and PVI settings. It will be an opportunity to share best practice, network with colleagues and keep up to date with latest research, policy and practice.

Meet the facilitators

Helen Ackerman, Headteacher Ludwick Nursery School and Director Acorns Early Years Training Centre

Lucy Parker, Deputy Headteacher Ludwick Nursery School and Director Acorns Early Years Training Centre

Network | Art Teachers and Leaders 2026-27

/in , , /by

Join our fun, creative and informal Art Network. We aim to create a supportive and creative community where art teachers can connect, share ideas and collaborate with one another. Offering opportunities for ongoing professional development through practical workshops, webinars and guest speakers and sharing our resources.

Face to face twilight sessions will be held termly from 4pm to 5.30pm at Sandringham School. The network will be charged at £30 in advance for the year or £10 per session when joining part way through.

Session 1: Monday, 5th October 2026

Session 2: Monday, 1st February 2027

Session 3: Monday, 7th June 2027

Examining the National Drawing Campaign, “Drawn together.”

Creative group drawing activity.

The art of doodling.

 

 

 

 

 

Who is this course for?

  • Primary and secondary art teachers from ECT to HODs.

Meet the facilitator

Sarah Gidden, Sandringham School

Sarah is a fine artist specialising in oil painting and photography. Sarah has taught art to all ages from infants to University of the third age. With over 20 year teaching experience she is passionate about art and education. After becoming a mum to twins in 2011 Sarah enjoyed a career break to raise her family and develop her art skills further. She has exhibited in many galleries including The Collective Gallery , The Nude Tin Can and St Albans Museum as well as Courtyard Arts in Ware and The Broadway in Letchworth.

 

Liz Kelly, Director of Learning (Visual Arts and Arts Coordinator), Sandringham School

Network | Geography Teachers 2026-27

/in , , , , /by

This network is for Geography teachers who would like to meet to discuss current issues in Secondary Geography Education and to work collaboratively.

The group will meet termly with twilight sessions running from 4.15pm to 5.45pm on the dates below.

Session 1: Thursday 19th November 2026

Agenda for Session 1:

  • New curriculum changes in Geography
  • Oracy

Session 2: Thursday 11th February 2027 (venue tbc)

Session 3: Thursday 17th June 2027 (venue tbc)

Your booking will include all three dates for £30 and reporting instructions will be sent prior to each event.

Late joiners will be charged pro-rata at £10 per session.

Who is this course for?

All Geography teachers – any experience.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

On this programme participants will:

  • Discuss opportunities and challenges linked to all key stages of the Geography curriculum (KS1-KS5)
  • Explore how Geography contributes to whole school cross-curricular initiatives
  • Discuss changes in assessment in Geography
  • Share best practice [to include objectives from other facilitators]

Areas of focus

The course will include:

  • Facilitated sessions
  • Developing pedagogy
  • Ideas for collaboration
  • Reflection and review

Meet the facilitator

Janet Ruffhead is currently Head of Humanities at Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School and has been Head of Geography for the past 21 years. She has forty years’ teaching experience and has worked in a number of schools in the West Midlands and at International schools in West Africa and South India.

She has held the role of Global Dimension Co-ordinator for over 10 years and has run whole school inset as well as supported staff in developing exciting and interactive resources across all subject areas. She has more recently led successful initiatives to support PP pupils and work to improve their resilience and self-confidence and arranged master classes and workshops for more able students

Testimonials from delegates

“Invaluable as a lone teacher of Geography, to meet with other teachers and share ideas and resources.”

“I have really enjoyed networking with other secondary Geography teachers, exploring topics and issues that affect us all.”

Flourishing Teacher Programme for Primary Phase 2026-27

/in , , , , , , , , , , /by

Flourishing Teacher Programme for Primary Phase 2026-27

Running for a second year this is a national programme in partnership with the National Society of Education and delivered locally and online. A collaboration between Alban Education and Ivy Learning Trust this Primary specific cohort is aimed at primary school teachers beyond ECF, in Years 4 – 8 of their teaching journey – developing depth of thinking on the art and craft of excellence in pedagogy; exploring five modules on Purpose, Relationships, Learning, Resources and Expertise and Wellbeing and tailored coaching. Investing in flourishing teachers to support and sustain their ongoing retention and enjoyment of our profession.

BOOKING/CANCELLATION ON THIS PROGRAMME IS REQUIRED BY 11TH SEPTEMBER.  AFTER THIS DATE A LICENCE FEE WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE EVENT OF NON-ATTENDANCE.

After 11th September, late bookings may be considered subject to availability but there will be no option to cancel and no guarantee of a place on the programme.

 

Starting October 2026 – this is a one year programme which will take place on the following dates:

Module Dates
Induction and Module 1: Purpose Monday, 12th October 2026
Crabtree Junior School, Harpenden
9:00-14:30
Module 2: Relationships Tuesday, 24th November 2026
Virtual
13:00-14:30
Module 3: Teaching and Learning Wednesday, 3rd February 2027
Virtual
14:30-16:00
Module 4: Resources and Expertise Friday, 12th March 2027
Virtual
13:00-14:30
Module 5: Wellbeing Thursday, 29th April 2027
Virtual
14:30-16:00
Consolidation and Celebration Event Friday, 18th June 2027
Crabtree Junior School, Harpenden
12:00-15:30
DOWNLOAD FLOURISHING TEACHERS PROGRAMME BROCHURE HERE

Who is this course for?

  • Primary School Teachers in years 4 – 8 of teaching.
  • Experienced classroom practitioners wishing to enhance their teaching practice in a transformative development space.

Meet the Facilitators

Emma Simmons, Executive Headteacher, Crabtree Infants’ and Crabtree Junior Schools

Emma Simmons is an accomplished and deeply committed educational leader with 26 years of experience in primary education. As the Executive Headteacher of Crabtree Infant and Junior Schools, Emma oversees a vibrant learning community where she champions a culture of high expectations, inclusivity, and joy in learning.
Throughout her career, Emma has been driven by a foundational belief: that every single child deserves an exceptional education that unlocks their full potential. Beyond her school gates, she is fiercely passionate about the future of the teaching profession. Emma dedicates much of her time to mentoring and developing the next generation of educators, serving as a supportive champion for both early-career teachers and aspiring school leaders. Under her strategic guidance, Crabtree continues to flourish as a place where both children and staff are empowered to thrive.

 

Karen Carter

With 32 years of experience in the teaching profession, Karen has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children and supporting the development of educators at all stages of their careers. Throughout her career, she has held a range of leadership and specialist roles, including Deputy Headteacher, English Lead, Writing Moderator, and long-term mentor for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) students, Early Career Teachers (ECTs), and participants in the Registered Teacher Programme. She is passionate about the teaching profession and firmly believes in the power of continuous professional development. As a coach and mentor, she has supported colleagues in refining their practice, building confidence, and achieving their professional goals. At the heart of her work is a commitment to creating school communities where every individual feels valued, supported, and heard. Karen feels that when schools foster strong relationships, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose, both children and adults are empowered to thrive.

 

Network | Sixth Form Leaders 2026-27

/in , , , /by

Alban Education are delighted to continue the Sixth Form Leaders Network for the academic year of 2026-27.

Face to face twilight sessions will be held termly from 4pm to 5.30pm at Sir John Lawes School on the following dates:

  • Tuesday 20th October 2026
  • Wednesday 10th February 2027
  • Thursday 17th June 2027

This network is £30 for all three sessions or delegates joining part way through the year will be charged at £10 per session.

Who is this course for?

Sixth Form Leaders

What are the objectives or outcomes?

  • To share best practice to support post 16 students
  • To discuss changes to the post 16 educational landscape
  • To discuss common challenges that face sixth form

Areas of focus:

The course will include:

  • Changes to the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and its implications for post 16 education
  • Changes to the academic landscape
  • Careers Education/UCAS
  • Pastoral care
  • Independent learning

Meet the facilitator:

Head of Sixth Form: Sara Calverley, Sir John Lawes School

As Head of Sixth Form, Sara has overall responsibility for the academic and pastoral wellbeing of our students. Sara has 20 years experience of supporting students in preparing for life beyond KS5, and has been both a curriculum and pastoral leader in 4 outstanding schools, both in the UK and internationally. In addition to her role as Head of Sixth Form, she also teaches Sociology and Psychology A Level and delivers the EPQ qualification. Sara is also a qualified mental health first aider.  Sara lives in Harpenden and has two children.

Network | History Teachers 2026-27

/in , , , /by

Alban Education are delighted to continue into the second year of our History Teachers Network for 2026-27.

Face to face twilight sessions will be held termly from 4pm to 5.30pm at Sandringham School on the following dates:

  • Thursday 5th November 2026
  • Thursday 25th February 2027
  • Thursday 3rd June 2027

This network is £30 for all three sessions or delegates joining part way through the year will be charged at £10 per session.

Who is this course for?

All history teachers – any experience welcome

What are the objectives or outcomes?

On this programme participants will:
  • Discuss opportunities and challenges linked to all key stages of the history curriculum (KS1-5)
  • Reflect on the impact of curriculum reform since 2019 and the progress made with regards to representation in the history curriculum
  • Consider the use of oracy in the history classroom
  • Share best practice amongst delegates
  • Develop local history knowledge and embed into curriculum topics

Areas of focus:

The course will include:

  • Facilitated discussion
  • Developing pedagogy
  • Ideas for collaboration
  • Reflection and review

Meet the facilitator:

Ruth Davies is currently Assistant Director of Learning of History at Sandringham School and has over 20 years of teaching experience across a range of secondary schools in Leeds, Hertfordshire and North London. She has previously been both Head of History and Head of Humanities and has worked across schools to ensure history departments collaborate and support each other with curriculum development. As an experienced Edexcel examiner and participant in Parallel Histories, Ruth is committed to ensuring CPD offers the opportunity for informative collaboration and ideas on practical classroom implementation.

Network | Design & Technology and Food & Nutrition Teachers 2026-27

/in , , , /by

Welcome to our established Design & Technology and Food & Nutrition Teachers network for 2026-27.

This network is a chance for Teachers of Design and Technology and Food and Nutrition to meet to discuss current issues in Education, to create cross school relationships and share ideas and best practice.

Termly sessions will take place from 4-5.30pm on the following dates:

Session 1: 12th October 2026
Session 2: 18th March 2027
Session 3:  8th  June 2027

Venue will be confirmed prior to each term.

Sessions will be £30 for the year in advance or £10 a session if joining part way through the year.

On this programme participants will:

  • Discuss current best practice and new ideas.
  • Discuss ways we can stay up to date with our ever-changing subject.
  • Discuss how we can use blended learning within our subject area.
  • Share quick wins and teaching and learning tips.
  • Share ideas on how best to set- up industry links in the community and how to harness them to provide opportunities for students

Areas of focus:

  • Sharing good practise.
  • Inspiring students with industry links.
  • Networking with other colleagues.

Who is the course for?

All teachers of Design and Technology from ECTs to HoDs.

Meet the facilitator

Scott Tweeddale, Head of Technology, St George’s School

Flourishing Teacher Programme for Secondary Phase 2026-27

/in , , , , , , , , /by

Flourishing Teacher Programme for Secondary Phase 2026-27

Running for a second year this is a national programme in partnership with the National Society of Education and delivered locally and online. Aimed at secondary school teachers beyond ECF, in Years 4 – 8 of their teaching journey – developing depth of thinking on the art and craft of excellence in pedagogy; exploring five modules on Purpose, Relationships, Learning, Resources and Expertise and Wellbeing and tailored coaching. Investing in flourishing teachers to support and sustain their ongoing retention and enjoyment of our profession.

BOOKING/CANCELLATION ON THIS PROGRAMME IS REQUIRED BY 11TH SEPTEMBER.  AFTER THIS DATE A LICENCE FEE WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE EVENT OF NON-ATTENDANCE.

After 11th September, late bookings may be considered subject to availability but there will be no option to cancel and no guarantee of a place on the programme.

 

Starting October 2026 – this is a one year programme which will take place on the following dates:

Module Dates
Induction and Module 1: Purpose Friday, 9th October 2026
Sandringham School, St. Albans
9:00-14:30
Module 2: Relationships Tuesday, 24th November 2026
Virtual
09:15-10:45
Module 3: Teaching and Learning Wednesday, 3rd February 2027
Virtual
9:00-10:30
Module 4: Resources and Expertise Friday, 12th March 2027
Virtual
13:30-15:00
Module 5: Wellbeing Thursday, 29th April 2027
Virtual
14:00-15:30
Consolidation and Celebration Event Friday, 18th June 2027
Sandringham School, St. Albans
12:00-15:30
DOWNLOAD FLOURISHING TEACHERS PROGRAMME BROCHURE HERE

Who is this course for?

  • Secondary School Teachers in years 4 – 8 of teaching.
  • Experienced classroom practitioners wishing to enhance their teaching practice in a transformative development space.

Meet the Facilitators

Karen Taylor-Paul NPQEL FCCT FRSA is the Director of the Alban Teaching School Hub which oversees outstanding professional development for teachers at all stages of their careers across over 300 schools in Hertfordshire.  Her teaching career started in secondary Music teaching and Arts leadership before moving onto wide-ranging senior leadership roles. Karen’s role now encompasses system leadership across all school phases from Initial Teacher Training through to Executive Leader and Trust development; she ensures DfE policy and system change are implemented in schools across the whole Golden Thread of professional development.   Karen’s work aligns with the DfE Recruitment and Retention remit for Teaching School Hubs and also promotes the work of subject hubs and Universal RISE to ensure school leaders and teachers are informed on the best evidence-based professional development opportunities for their schools to benefit the outcomes of every child.  Karen sits on a number of regional and national professional development advisory boards.

There will also be invited speakers across a range of topics.

 

Annabel Brown

Annabel Brown is a former EEF Research School Director and current NPQ Facilitator at Alban Teaching School Hub, with extensive experience in supporting schools to embed evidence-informed practice. As a Senior English Advisor and experienced English teacher, she brings a wealth of expertise in curriculum design, coaching, and professional development, all grounded in her ongoing classroom practice. Through her leadership of the Literacy Network, Annabel draws on her background in whole-school improvement, disciplinary literacy, and reading fluency to support literacy leaders and teachers in developing strategic, research-informed approaches that make a real impact.

 

Mental Health Knowledge for Managers 2026-27

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Mental Health Knowledge for Managers is available on a rolling basis and will be undertaken online, at your own pace, in 25 minute blocks amounting to 3 hours total training time.

Please book to the left and full instructions will be shared with you for you to undertake this programme.

Brief Overview

Designed using the latest statistics and real-world scenarios, this fully accessible course brings together seven streamlined modules in one package.

Course modules:

  • Supporting employee mental health.
  • Understanding equality.
  • Managing workplace stress.
  • The mental health conversation cycle
  • Understanding reasonable adjustments.
  • Managing performance.
  • Balancing life and work.

Who is this course for?

Open to anyone in a school community, teachers, leaders, support staff and governors.

Meet the Facilitator

Mental Health First Aid England.

Contact Us

Alban Education
Sandringham School
The Ridgeway
St. Albans
Herts, AL4 9NX

Email: cpd@albaneducation.co.uk
Phone: 01727 799560
Laura Lusardi: ext 4251
Marketing & Communications Manager

Our 5 Pillars

Early Career Teacher Programme

Appropriate Body Services

National Professional Qualifications

CPD

Initial Teacher Training

Contact Us

Alban Teaching School Hub
Sandringham School
The Ridgeway
St. Albans
Herts, AL4 9NX

Email: enquiries@albantsh.co.uk
Phone: 01727 799560

Sophie Walsh: ext 4281
Business Director

Laura Lusardi: ext 4251
Marketing & Communications Manager

Victoria Angel: ext 4400
Appropriate Body Services

Dan Smith: ext 4548
Early Career Teachers

Jo Cavanagh: ext 4271
email: teaching@albantsh.co.uk
Initial Teacher Training

Alban Education Courses