MTPT Parental Leave Group Coaching 2026-27

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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

Senior Leadership Ready! for Primary Phase 2026-27 (at Crabtree)

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Alban Education in collaboration with Ivy Learning Trust are delighted to offer a Primary specific cohort of our established Senior Leadership Ready programme this year with four sessions providing essential skills for outstanding senior leadership.  This primary focus will allowing delegates to benefit from tailored training specific to their individual setting.

This will consist of 4 twilight sessions which will take place from 2.00pm to 3.30pm at Crabtree Junior School in Harpenden on the following dates:

Session 1: Friday 25th September 2026
Session 2: Tuesday 8th December 2026
Session 3: Wednesday 10th February 2027
Session 4: Friday 19th March 2027

A minimum of 75% attendance is required in order to receive certification on this programme.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

  • Are you preparing to move into a Senior Leadership role or newly appointed in post?  This programme will support the development of essential skills and knowledge required to be a senior leader in school.  Relevant for primary settings.

Who is this course for?

  • For primary colleagues new to senior leadership roles
  • For primary colleagues moving to senior leadership roles
  • For aspirational primary senior leaders

Meet the facilitators

Soli Vela

 

Middle Leadership Ready! 2026-27 Primary Phase

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Alban Education are delighted to run this four session programme providing essential skills for outstanding middle leadership in primary schools.  This will be focused on primary settings with facilitators from both a curriculum and pastoral background at every session, allowing delegates to benefit from tailored training specific to their individual setting and aspirations.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

This programme will support you in:

  • Reflecting on your personal strengths
  • Developing skills of leadership
  • Exploring your own vision and values
  • Drawing together theory and practice
  • Sustaining effective leadership

Who is this course for?

  • For colleagues new to middle leadership roles
  • For colleagues moving to middle leadership roles
  • For aspirational middle leaders

Twilight sessions will take place at De Bohun Primary School, London, N14 from 4.00pm to 5.30pm on the following dates:

Session 1 Tuesday, 22nd September 2026 Management or leadership? Understanding leadership styles and how to effectively lead a team.
Session 2 Tuesday, 10th November 2026 Purposeful use and application of data. Understanding what data is and how best to use it.
Session 3 Tuesday, 2nd February 2027 The reality of middle leadership. Understanding the demands of the role and how to manage your wellbeing.
Session 4 Tuesday, 9th March 2027 Working with stakeholders. Understanding who the key stakeholders are and how best to navigate this.

A minimum of 75% attendance is required in order to receive certification on this programme.

Meet the facilitator

Louisa Pantelli

Louisa has 25 years of experience in education and is an exceptional and passionate teacher and leader.   She has taught across all primary key stages and has led on Inclusion, Assessment and Curriculum.  She has been a Deputy Headteacher in three settings and recently led two federated schools through Ofsted as Acting Headteacher.  She has also just been inspected under the new framework in a school where she is part of the SLT and leads on Inclusion.  Louisa regularly provides support to schools as a consultant and is part of the team leading on Teacher Development at Haringey Education Partnership.  She has led ECT and mentor training since 2021 and also holds an assessment role at the National Foundation for Educational Research. She has been an associate at Pearson for many years and has worked on various projects, including tracking trends in maths and science and marking KS2 Reading.  Louisa is committed to providing opportunities for teachers to grow and develop their craft, through high quality training and support.

Network | MFL Teachers 2026-27

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Our established MFL teachers network is a chance for teachers of MFL to meet to discuss current issues in secondary phase languages education, to form good cross-school relationships and share best practice.

The network will consist of three face to face sessions which will run from 4pm to 5.30pm at Sandringham School on the following dates:

  • Session 1: Monday, 9th November 2026
  • Session 2: Monday, 8th March 2027
  • Session 3: Monday, 24th May 2027

This programme is £30 in advance or £10 per session when joining part way through the year.

Who is this for?

Heads and Seconds in Languages Departments, Teachers of MFL

What are the objectives or outcomes?

On this programme participants will:

  • Discuss changes to the MFL curriculum.
  • Discuss the challenges facing teachers of MFL.
  • Share best practice.

Areas of focus

The course will include:

  • Facilitated sessions.
  • Reflection and review.
  • Planning next steps.

Meet the facilitator

David Williams, Sandringham School

 

 

Fleur Baikie, Sandringham School

Fleur is currently Head of MFL and Assistant Induction Tutor at Sandringham School. She has previous experience as a senior leader in an international school in the Middle East and has led on a range of aspects of school life. She is passionate about teaching and learning and facilitates across a number of strands of the golden thread. Fleur is a member of the Chartered College of Teaching and is enthusiastic about research informed practice in education.

Middle Leadership Ready! 2026-27 Secondary Phase

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Alban Education are delighted to run this four session programme providing essential skills for outstanding middle leadership in secondary schools.  This will be focused on secondary settings with facilitators from both a curriculum and pastoral background at every session, allowing delegates to benefit from tailored training specific to their individual setting and aspirations.

The programme will also include an optional visit to another school to shadow a middle or senior leader for a day and an optional coaching session with an Alban Education coach.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

This programme will support you in:

  • Reflecting on your personal strengths
  • Developing skills of leadership
  • Exploring your own vision and values
  • Drawing together theory and practice
  • Sustaining effective leadership

Who is this course for?

  • For colleagues new to middle leadership roles
  • For colleagues moving to middle leadership roles
  • For aspirational middle leaders

Twilight sessions will take place at Sandringham School from 4.00pm to 5.30pm on the following dates:

Session 1 Thursday, 12th November 2026 Management or leadership? Understanding leadership styles and how to effectively lead a team.
Session 2 Tuesday, 19th January 2027 Purposeful use and application of data. Understanding what data is and how best to use it.
Session 3 Wednesday, 3rd March 2027 The reality of middle leadership. Understanding the demands of the role and how to manage your wellbeing.
Session 4 Thursday, 6th May 2027 Working with stakeholders. Understanding who the key stakeholders are and how best to navigate this.

A minimum of 75% attendance is required in order to receive certification on this programme.

Meet the facilitators

 

Fleur Baikie

Fleur is currently Head of MFL and Assistant Induction Tutor at Sandringham School. She has previous experience as a senior leader in an international school in the Middle East and has led on a range of aspects of school life. She is passionate about teaching and learning and facilitates across a number of strands of the golden thread. Fleur is a member of the Chartered College of Teaching and is enthusiastic about research informed practice in education.

 

Rachael Potter, Sandringham School

Rachael is a KS5 Performance Director and Member of the Professional Learning Team. Last year, she was Associate Assistant Headteacher and worked with PP Transitions and Pastoral Data. She is an experienced English teacher; she is particularly passionate about Teaching and Learning, ensuring that all students are supported to achieve their potential. Rachael has facilitated ECT Year 1 and Year 2 courses for the Alban Teaching Hub and recognises the importance of refining our practice. As a member of the Chartered College of Teaching, she is enthusiastic about using research to inform practice and drive improvement.

Senior Leadership Ready! for Primary Phase 2026-27 (at Windhill21)

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Alban Education in collaboration with Ivy Learning Trust are delighted to offer a Primary specific cohort of our established Senior Leadership Ready programme this year with four sessions providing essential skills for outstanding senior leadership.  This primary focus will allowing delegates to benefit from tailored training specific to their individual setting.

This will consist of 4 twilight sessions which will take place from 4.00pm to 5.30pm at Windhill21 in Bishop’s Stortford on the following dates:

Session 1: Tuesday 20th October 2026
Session 2: Tuesday 8th December 2026
Session 3: Tuesday 26th January 2027
Session 4: Tuesday 16th March 2027

A minimum of 75% attendance is required in order to receive certification on this programme.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

  • Are you preparing to move into a Senior Leadership role or newly appointed in post?  This programme will support the development of essential skills and knowledge required to be a senior leader in school.  Relevant for primary settings.

Who is this course for?

  • For primary colleagues new to senior leadership roles
  • For primary colleagues moving to senior leadership roles
  • For aspirational primary senior leaders

Meet the facilitators

Sarah Wood, Headteacher, Windhill21

Sarah is a passionate and proven educational leader with a 14-year track record of impact at Windhill21, where she has served as Headteacher, Head of School, and Deputy Head. Her broader career includes leading Key Stage 2 within the independent sector at an international school in Houston, alongside teaching experience across diverse state schools in Dagenham and Hornchurch.  At the heart of Sarah’s practice is an unwavering commitment to effective leadership that prioritises a positive school culture and a strong, values-driven ethos.   She genuinely believes that an exceptional education can only thrive when staff and children feel valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.

 

Chloe Myers, Deputy Headteacher, Windhill21

Chloe is the Deputy Headteacher at Windhill21, where she leads on teaching and learning across the school. An experienced primary educator, she has taught across the entire primary phase, with a particular focus on Key Stage 1 and Lower Key Stage 2. Throughout her career, Chloe has also developed a deep expertise in literacy leadership, serving as a Writing Lead for many years.

Passionate about professional development, Chloe is an instructional coach who has mentored numerous teachers early in their careers. She firmly believes that the best means at our disposal for improving pupil outcomes is high-quality teacher education. As a facilitator, Chloe is dedicated to empowering educators through evidence-informed training that translates directly into impactful classroom practice.

Flourishing Teacher Programme for Primary Phase 2026-27

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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 | Secondary Literacy 2026-27

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Alban Education are delighted to be running our successful Literacy Network for Secondary Phase which will promote most recent research, resources and approaches for Literacy within the current Ofsted framework.

Booking in advance will secure one place on all three sessions for your school however a different staff member may attend each session if the focus is more relevant for them.

Your booking is for all three sessions in advance.  Delegates may join part way through the year and will be charged on a pro-rata basis.

Face to face sessions will be held at Sandringham School termly as follows:

  • Tuesday, 20th October 2026 – 09:30-11:00
  • Friday, 12th March 2027 – 09:30-11:00
  • Tuesday, 11th May 2027 – 09:30-11:00

Sessions will focus on:

Empowering Literacy Leadership: Designed to build subject leadership expertise in literacy through evidence-informed input, practical tools, and peer collaboration.

Current and Relevant Content: Each session explores national priorities (e.g. Reading Framework, Ofsted focus, English Hubs) and timely topics such as oracy, disciplinary literacy, transition, and AI in education.

Collaborative and Reflective Structure: Sessions include input, case studies, group planning, and peer sharing—creating space to reflect on and plan for impact in your setting.

Who is this course for?

Suitable for any secondary school leaders, teachers, teaching assistants, librarians who have any responsibility for literacy across the curriculum.

What are the objectives or outcomes?

  • To offer practical ways in which schools can successfully adapt their current provision of literacy, to maximise impact
  • To examine the key literacy demands within the current Ofsted framework
  • To share the most recent research and resources to support literacy provision in schools
  • To provide a networking opportunity for schools to collaborate and share best practice

Meet the facilitator

Annabel Brown

Annabel Brown is a Literacy Specialist with the DfE English Hubs and an experienced facilitator across ITT, ECTP and NPQs. She supports secondary schools to strengthen reading and whole-school literacy through evidence-informed practice.
A former EEF Research School Director, Assistant Headteacher and Senior English Adviser, Annabel has extensive experience in school improvement, curriculum development and professional learning. She is passionate about helping schools develop research-led strategic approaches to literacy that improve outcomes and enable all pupils to access an ambitious curriculum.

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

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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

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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.

 

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

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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

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