Healthy and Toxic relationships & Empowering young people 2024-25

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Alban Education are delighted to offer this new session, ‘Healthy and Toxic relationships & Empowering young people,’ in partnership with Links Multi Academy Trust.

This session will take place on Wednesday, 21st May from 4pm to 5.30pm at Sandringham School.

Understanding what a  healthy relationship is can be very confusing to young people especially since it can look different for different people and can evolve over time. There are many nuances involved, and the idea of a “healthy relationship” can vary depending on personal values, culture, and past experiences. But at its core, a healthy relationship should promote well-being, growth, respect, and mutual happiness.

Empowering our young people to understand the dynamics of healthy and toxic relationships is essential for their personal development, mental well-being, and future happiness. Through education, communication, emotional intelligence, and support, we can guide them toward forming healthy, respectful relationships while also equipping them with the tools to recognize and escape toxic environments when necessary.

Any school booking delegates for all 3 of the following sessions: Understanding and addressing Misogyny in schools, Healthy and Toxic relationships & Empowering young people, De-escalation in schools will be charged at the discounted rate of £20 for all three for one delegate.

Meet the facilitators

Links Academy Trust

Fiona Haynes, Outreach Manager

Fiona’s career started in television where she was employed by Yorkshire Television as a video editor for 15 years. She worked for the News, Documentary and Drama Departments.

Following a move to Hertfordshire in 1998, Fiona changed career to work in schools. She was employed by Sandringham School supporting the Media Department, then moved to the Links Academy teaching Media and managing the network. Since then, she has set up and managed an Inclusion Centre within a school in Hemel Hempstead, worked for the Local Authority as an Integration Officer and now manages the Outreach Team at the Links Academy supporting secondary schools across Welwyn, Hatfield, Hertsmere, St Albans and Harpenden with managing behaviour.

 

Tracy Backhouse, Higher Level Outreach Worker

Tracy Backhouse began her career in HR leading on several programmes at British Telecom, namely their Graduate Recruitment programme, Fastrack leadership programme and BT’s Apprenticeship programme where she also completed her MSc in HR Management and gained her CIPD.

After 15 years with BT, Tracy joined a Law firm as their HR Business Partner managing a team of 18 across offices in St Albans and the City where she was responsible for developing and delivering HR initiatives in line with the firms’ objectives. Alongside this, Tracy designed and introduced a staff mental health programme, to support employee’s well-being.

Tracy began studying for her diploma in Psychotherapeutic counselling in 2019 accruing over 100 clinical hours as a bereavement counsellor for the charity Cruse, whom she still volunteers for on a weekly basis.

Tracy joined Links Academy in January 2022, working on site at Hixberry as Pastoral Leader with responsibility for behaviour and as a Deputy DSL for safeguarding. In April 2023, Tracy joined Fiona in the Outreach team supporting young people who are experiencing social, emotional, mental health and behaviour difficulties across Secondary schools in St Albans and Harpenden. This includes:

  • 1-1 support
  • Group work
  • Staff training
  • Reintegration support
  • Managed move support
  • Signposting and advice & strategies

Understanding and addressing Misogyny in schools 2024-25

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Alban Education are delighted to offer this new session, ‘Understanding and addressing Misogyny in schools,’ in partnership with Links Multi Academy Trust.

This session will take place on Tuesday, 13th May (moved from 6th May) from 4pm to 5.30pm at Sandringham School.

Misogyny in schools can take many forms, and addressing it requires both understanding its roots and implementing solutions at various levels—individual, school-wide, and even at the societal level.

Misogyny is a deep-rooted societal issue and often intertwines with other forms of discrimination, such as racism or classism. Its effects can be seen in many aspects of daily life, however we are now seeing its impact in school.

You can’t read a paper or watch the news without hearing about misogyny, incels or toxic masculinity. How can we manage this in a school environment, how can we make sense of this and address what we are seeing?

Addressing misogyny in schools is not a quick fix; it’s an ongoing process that requires concerted effort from teachers, students, parents, and the wider community. A school environment that fosters respect, equality, and inclusivity can help challenge and eventually reduce misogynistic attitudes and behaviours.

Any school booking delegates for all 3 of the following sessions: Understanding and addressing Misogyny in schools, Healthy and Toxic relationships & Empowering young people, De-escalation in schools will be charged at the discounted rate of £20 for all three for one delegate.

Meet the facilitators

Links Academy Trust

Fiona Haynes, Outreach Manager

Fiona’s career started in television where she was employed by Yorkshire Television as a video editor for 15 years. She worked for the News, Documentary and Drama Departments.

Following a move to Hertfordshire in 1998, Fiona changed career to work in schools. She was employed by Sandringham School supporting the Media Department, then moved to the Links Academy teaching Media and managing the network. Since then, she has set up and managed an Inclusion Centre within a school in Hemel Hempstead, worked for the Local Authority as an Integration Officer and now manages the Outreach Team at the Links Academy supporting secondary schools across Welwyn, Hatfield, Hertsmere, St Albans and Harpenden with managing behaviour.

 

Tracy Backhouse, Higher Level Outreach Worker

Tracy Backhouse began her career in HR leading on several programmes at British Telecom, namely their Graduate Recruitment programme, Fastrack leadership programme and BT’s Apprenticeship programme where she also completed her MSc in HR Management and gained her CIPD.

After 15 years with BT, Tracy joined a Law firm as their HR Business Partner managing a team of 18 across offices in St Albans and the City where she was responsible for developing and delivering HR initiatives in line with the firms’ objectives. Alongside this, Tracy designed and introduced a staff mental health programme, to support employee’s well-being.

Tracy began studying for her diploma in Psychotherapeutic counselling in 2019 accruing over 100 clinical hours as a bereavement counsellor for the charity Cruse, whom she still volunteers for on a weekly basis.

Tracy joined Links Academy in January 2022, working on site at Hixberry as Pastoral Leader with responsibility for behaviour and as a Deputy DSL for safeguarding. In April 2023, Tracy joined Fiona in the Outreach team supporting young people who are experiencing social, emotional, mental health and behaviour difficulties across Secondary schools in St Albans and Harpenden. This includes:

  • 1-1 support
  • Group work
  • Staff training
  • Reintegration support
  • Managed move support
  • Signposting and advice & strategies

Olevi Power of Coaching Summer 2025

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Designed by Olevi and facilitated by experienced school leaders and teachers, Olevi Power of Coaching will allow practitioners to gain a deeper understanding about the power of coaching and the impact that great coaching has on learning, being able to confidently apply a number of strategies to deepen the thinking of pupils, inspire colleagues to develop and grow, and become a more reflective and energised professional.

This programme will take place over 1 1/2 days and will be delivered face to face at Sandringham School as follows:

  • Day 1: Friday, 16th May 2025, 9am to 3pm
  • Day 2: Monday, 19th May 2025, 9am to 12 noon

Full attendance across both days at this programme will enable you to utilise models and approaches to coach pupils and professionals to improve learning, thinking and well-being; professionally challenge expectations and begin to shift mindsets; and model courage, humility and discipline when engaging with coaching conversations.

Who is this course for?

This programme is open to teaching and non-teaching staff who have a role in leading the development of teams and individuals.

This programme could be valuable to teachers supporting the Early Career Framework.

Testimonial

“An excellent experience, tailor-made to the range of course participants.”

 

Meet the facilitators

Jo Cavanagh, Director of Initial Teacher Training, Alban Teaching School Hub and OLEVI Power of Coaching Facilitator

 

 

 

 

 

David Williams, Teacher of MFL and OLEVI Power of Coaching Facilitator

 

 

 

 

Thrive Wellbeing Leadership Apprenticeship Level 5

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Alban Education are working in partnership with Thrive to provide the Thrive Wellbeing Leadership Apprenticeship Level 5 | The Thrive Approach

The Thrive Wellbeing Leadership Apprenticeship is a dual award consisting of a Level 5 Operations Manager standard and Thrive Licensed Practitioner status. Equivalent to a foundation degree, this work-based training programme equips apprentices with a broad range of advanced skills and empowers them to take the lead on strategically embedding Thrive in their setting.

Suitable job roles could be; teachers, SENDCos, DSLs, members of SLT, pastoral leads, support staff, HLTAs, behaviour leads, attendance mentors, mental health leads and other roles where individuals work directly with children and young people and are empowered to lead the implementation of Thrive, such as in care homes or secure facilities. The Thrive Wellbeing Leadership apprenticeship is also well-suited to professionals working with children and young people in social care, youth organisations, charities, across local authorities and multi-academy trusts.

If you would like to apply for this apprenticeships please follow the link below to join the waitlist for this cohort.  Apply before 17th March for the next available cohort starting in May.

FOLLOW THE BELOW LINK TO APPLY

APPLY HERE

Thrive Wellbeing Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5

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Alban Education are working in partnership with Thrive to provide the Thrive Wellbeing Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5 | The Thrive Approach

Equivalent to a foundation degree, this work-based, dual-qualification training programme is ideal for teaching assistants with at least one year’s experience who are looking to advance their careers, take on more responsibility, and build expertise in social and emotional support for children and young people.

Suitable job roles may include; teaching assistants, attendance mentors, behaviour leads, higher level teaching assistants, social and emotional wellbeing teaching assistants, specialist learning assistants, specialist learning support and other support roles in a classroom environment.

If you would like to apply for this apprenticeships please follow the link below to join the waitlist for this cohort.  Apply before 17th March for the next available cohort starting in May.

FOLLOW THE BELOW LINK TO APPLY

APPLY HERE

OLEVI Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme Summer 2025

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The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme is for teaching assistants who are, or who have the potential to be, outstanding in their roles. It is intended to develop the potential for Teaching Assistants to have a wider impact on improving the quality of teaching and learning across the school. Designed and facilitated by experienced school leaders and teachers the OTAP forms part of the OLEVI Teaching & Learning Syllabus which has gained a national reputation for raising standards in teaching and learning.

Dates

The Summer 2025 cohort of the OLEVI Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme will take place as follows with all sessions running from 12:00 to 15:00.

Session 1 Tuesday, 29th April 2025 Sandringham School
Session 2 Wednesday, 14th May 2025 Sandringham School
Session 3 Tuesday, 3rd June 2025 Sandringham School
Session 4 Wednesday, 11th June 2025 Sandringham School
Session 5 Wednesday, 9th July 2025 Townsend Church of England School

Who is this course for?

Primary and secondary school teaching assistants in post or colleagues considering a role as a teaching assistant.

What are the objectives?

OTAP enables teaching assistants to:

  • place a greater emphasis on the purpose and value of the lessons they support
  • raise levels of engagement and achievement in learning
  • use different methods and styles of support to challenge learners
  • innovate and take risks
  • have a bigger impact on the planning and assessment for the learners they support
  • demonstrate a higher level understanding of teaching and learning
  • be able to coach their peers to raise performance

Impact

“The OTAP has raised the profile of the teaching/learning assistant to a position in schools where they are being taken seriously as a profession and valued. It is having a very positive effect on our children’s learning and creating excellent working relationships with other staff members across the school.”

Leah Crawley, Headteacher, Burnt Ash Primary School

Vision

To give the teaching profession the tools and strategies; challenge and inspiration to engage in excellence – raising the quality of teaching practice to ensure every student in every school enjoys outstanding teaching and learning outcomes.

Meet the facilitators:

Emma Beaton, Music Teacher at Sandringham School & ECF Lead for the Alban TSH

With 25 years of experience as a music teacher across all phases from nursery through to Key Stage 5, Emma has worked in a range of schools and settings and was recently awarded a Silver Pearson award for Secondary School Teacher of the Year. Emma is a highly experienced facilitator, working with organisations such as Olevi and Best Practice Network, delivering training for NPQLT, ECF mentors and ECTs. Emma’s expertise spans a range of areas, from music-specific pedagogy to cutting-edge approaches including AI and innovations to support adaptive teaching. Emma is a blended learning enthusiast and advocate for arts education for all. She has recently taken on the role of ECF lead for the Alban Teaching School Hub enabling her to support new colleagues as they enter the profession. She is dedicated to supporting all those who work in education to thrive and build a lasting career.

Kerry McIntyre, Townsend Church of England School

Kerry McIntyre is currently a Lead Practitioner of Teaching and Learning, helping to raise standards and drive forward technology in the classroom. Kerry is also an experienced Faculty Leader and RE specialist who is dedicated ensuring the best outcomes for students. She has been subject mentor for a number of trainees at the Alban Federation and is proud to now see them develop into excellent classroom teachers and leaders. Kerry is an accredited Olevi facilitator aiming to drive Outstanding teacher practice across Hertfordshire.

 

Testimonial

“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for delivering such a brilliant programme. Although I have been in education for some time now, it was so refreshing to participate in something that was directly relevant to my role as support staff and enabled a large chunk of self reflection and collaboration.
I shall certainly take forward ideas and concepts from the Olevi programme to enhance my own practice.”

 

Senior Leadership Ready! 2024-25

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Alban Education are delighted to run our three session programme providing essential skills for outstanding senior leadership.  This will be cross-phase with specific primary and secondary facilitators every session allowing delegates to benefit from tailored training specific to their individual setting.

This will consist of 3 twilight sessions which will take place from 4.00pm to 5.30pm at the Katherine Warington School in Harpenden.

Session 1: Tuesday, 29th April 2025

Session 2: Tuesday, 13th May 2025

Session 3: Thursday, 5th June 2025

 

BOOKINGS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE FRIDAY 18TH APRIL 2025

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 all phases of school.

Who is this course for?

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

Meet the facilitators

Cathy Longhurst, Headteacher, Mandeville Primary School

Cathy is an outstanding Headteacher with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Primary teaching phase.

 

 

 

Amy Francis, Katherine Warington School

Amy is an experienced educator and currently the Induction Lead at Katherine Warington School in Harpenden. She has held roles as a curriculum lead in MFL, Lead Practitioner, Induction lead, SENCO and Assistant Headteacher (T&L).  Amy has  been working in education for 27 years. She studied French at the University of Liverpool, before completing her PGCE and starting her teaching career in the same city, then moving to teach in London. Amy’s extensive experience of inner city teaching has led to the passionate belief that regardless of circumstance or challenges, every child has the right to achieve and fulfil their potential; and this is achieved through high quality education, led by those who have the highest expectations of the students they teach and nurture.

She added to her educational portfolio in 2019 by qualifying as a SENCO and took up this new role at Katherine Warington School where she had  the privilege of being a member of the founding leadership team; designing curriculum, policies and practices for a brand new school. She is an Alban Education Expert (previously SLE) and a Harpenden parent.

 

 

MTPT Parental Leave Group Coaching Cohorts 2024-25

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Colleagues in the South East currently on a period of maternity, adoption or shared parental leave can enjoy a fully-funded place on the autumn cohorts of The MTPT Project’s group coaching programme.

This three-month programme takes place online in small groups of 8-20 participants, and explores themes of change, identity, confidence and plans for the future.

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?

DATES FOR SUMMER “Coffee” Cohort

  • Tuesday 13th May, 09:30-10:30
  • Tuesday 10th June, 09:30-10:30
  • Tuesday 8th July, 09:30-10:30

DATES FOR SUMMER “Naptime” Cohort

  • Friday 20th June, 13:30-14:30
  • Friday 18th July, 13:30-14:30
  • Friday 14th August, 13:30-14:30
BOOK DIRECT ON EVENTBRITE HERE

Fully-funded for all state school teachers in Hertfordshire thanks to Alban & Chiltern TSH

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
@mtptproject #MTPTproject
www.facebook.com/MTPTproject
Join us as a member!

Middle Leadership Ready! 2024-25

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Alban Education are delighted to run this four session programme providing essential skills for outstanding middle leadership.  This will be cross-phase with specific primary and secondary facilitators every session allowing delegates to benefit from tailored training specific to their individual setting.

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 Tuesday, 19th November 2024 Management or leadership? Understanding leadership styles
Session 2 Monday, 27th January 2025 Leading effective meetings and managing people
Session 3 Tuesday, 11th March 2025 Application of data (including tracking SEND data)
Session 4 Monday, 19th May 2025 Coaching and unlocking potential

Meet the facilitators

Primary Lead

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

Emma is Executive Head of Crabtree Infants’ and Crabtree Junior School in Harpenden. She has previously worked as Head of Junior School and Head of Girls’ Games in a small Prep School and has been a class teacher in a variety of schools, teaching children in Reception to Year 6. Emma supports local school’s ECTs as part of the AlbanTSH Appropriate Body and is a facilitator for the NPQSL.

Secondary Lead

Amy Stothard, Director of Learning, Music, Sandringham School

Amy Stothard is an experienced form tutor and is currently the Head of Music at Sandringham School. She has been working in education for 13 years and has worked with tutor groups and students with a wide range of needs. She is passionate about the impact that form tutors have on the day to day experience of students, their wellbeing as well as on their longer-term outcomes.

 

 

Network | MFL Teachers 2024-25

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This 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, 30th September 2024
  • Session 2: Monday, 17th March 2025
  • Session 3: Monday, 12th May 2025

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

Our 5 Pillars

Early Career Framework

Appropriate Body Services

National Professional Qualifications

CPD

Initial Teaching 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 4217
email: teaching@albantsh.co.uk
Initial Teacher Training

Alban Education Courses