MTPT Sustain and Grow Group Coaching

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

Teaching and leading in our schools can feel all-encompassing at the best of times. Add a young family into the mix and life can quickly become overwhelming and stressful. At The MTPT Project, we see too many amazing, experienced teachers and leaders burn out, feeling forced to choose between their careers and their families.

But teaching and leading can be compatible with family life – even the most family-friendly career choice going!

Join us on our Sustain and Grow group coaching programme to take control of your work and home lives.

All sessions run live online (zoom) from 3.30pm to 4.30pm

DATES FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2026 TUESDAY COHORT

  • Tuesday 20th January
  • Tuesday 24th February
  • Tuesday 24th March
  • Tuesday 21st April
  • Tuesday 19th May
  • Tuesday 16th June

DATES FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2026 THURSDAY COHORT

  • Tuesday 22nd January
  • Tuesday 26th February
  • Tuesday 26th March
  • Tuesday 23rd April
  • Tuesday 21st May
  • Tuesday 18th June

(Recorded Access)

Tuesday, Mar 24 to Monday, Aug 31 ends at 3:30pm
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
@mtptproject #MTPTproject
www.facebook.com/MTPTproject
Join us as a member!

Network | Design & Technology and Food & Nutrition Teachers 2025-26

/in , , , /by

Welcome to our established Design & Technology and Food & Nutrition Teachers network for 2025-26.

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 at St George’s School

Session 1: Tuesday, 4th November 2025

Session 2: Tuesday, 24th February 2026

Session 3: Tuesday, 2nd June 2026

Sessions will be £30 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

Network | Geography Teachers 2025-26

/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.

  • Meeting 1: Thursday 13th November 2025 @ Fearnhill School,  Letchworth

Agenda for Meeting 1

  1. Sequence of topics in Geography at all key stages
  2. Use of AI including: use of GIS and use of AI for marking (Gillian)
  • Meeting 2: Thursday 12th February 2026 at Monk’s Walk School to start at 4.15pm

Agenda for Meeting 2

1. Homework

    • What does a good piece of homework look like?
    • Homework and threat of AI

2. New Geography curriculum Review

    • Discussion on implications on the curriculum

 

  • Meeting 3: Thursday 18th June 2026 (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 17 years. She has thirty five 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.”

Network | Early Years 2025-26

/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:

  • Thursday, 13th November 2025
  • Thursday 12th February 2026
  • Thursday 25th June 2026

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 | History Teachers 2025-26

/in , , , /by

Alban Education are delighted to launch a History Teachers Network for the academic year of 2025-26.

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

  • Thursday 6th November 2025

The first session will be looking at the topic of ‘considering controversial history’ and the use of sensitive language in the classroom.

  • Thursday 26th February 2026
  • Thursday 4th June 2026

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

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 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 | Sixth Form Leaders 2025-26

/in , , , /by

Alban Education are delighted to continue the Sixth Form Leaders Network for the academic year of 2025-26.

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

  • Wednesday 26th November 2025
  • Tuesday 10th March 2026
  • Thursday 11th June 2026

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.

Middle Leadership Ready! 2025-26

/in , , , , , , /by

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 Wednesday, 19th November 2025 Management or leadership? Understanding leadership styles
Session 2 Monday, 26th January 2026 Leading effective meetings and managing people
Session 3 Wednesday, 4th March 2026 Application of data (including tracking SEND data)
Session 4 Wednesday, 13th May 2026 Coaching and unlocking potential

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

Meet the facilitators

Primary Lead | Leanne Bridges

With 14 years experience, Leanne is a dedicated primary school teacher specialising in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.  She currently works across both primary and secondary education settings and holds qualified SENCO accreditation.  Leanne also has a strong background in leading Music and Physical Education within the primary setting.  She is passionate about integrating the arts into her teaching to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.

 

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.

 

 

Secondary Lead | Fleur Baikie, Sandringham School

 

 

Network | Secondary Literacy 2025-26

/in , , /by

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:

  • Wednesday, 5th November 2025 – 09:30-11:00
  • Friday, 6th March 2026 – 09:30-11:00
  • Tuesday, 12th May 2026 – 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 former EEF Research School Director and now works as a Facilitator with Alban Teaching School Hub and a Literacy Specialist with New Wave English Hub. She has extensive experience supporting schools to embed evidence-informed practice and improve outcomes through sustainable approaches to teaching and learning.

A Senior English Adviser and experienced classroom teacher, Annabel brings expertise in curriculum design, coaching, and professional development. Drawing on her background as an Assistant Headteacher, she supports schools to strengthen whole-school improvement, disciplinary literacy, and reading fluency – helping teachers develop strategic, research-informed approaches that make a measurable impact on pupils’ learning.

MTPT Parental Leave Group Coaching

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

Colleagues in the South East currently on a period of maternity, adoption or shared parental leave can enjoy a fully-funded place on the 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 SPRING 2026 COHORT – 09:30-10:30

  • Monday 16th March
  • Monday 13th April
  • Monday 11th May

DATES FOR SUMMER 2026 COHORT 1 – 09:30-10:30

  • Tuesday 5th May
  • Tuesday 2nd June
  • Tuesday 30th June

DATES FOR SUMMER 2026 COHORT 2 – 09:30-10:30

  • Thursday 2nd July
  • Thursday 30th July
  • Thursday 27th August
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
@mtptproject #MTPTproject
www.facebook.com/MTPTproject
Join us as a member!

MTPT Return to Work Workshops

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

Colleagues returning from a period of maternity, adoption or shared parental leave this term can enjoy a fully-funded place on The MTPT Project’s Return to Work workshops. This 90 minute virtual workshop will inform you of your legal entitlements and the best practice you can expect from your school, as well as a powerful space to set boundaries and get your emotional and logistical ducks in a row before you go back.

BOOK DIRECT ON EVENTBRITE HERE

All sessions are online from 09:30 to 11:00

Summer 2026

  • Tuesday, 12 May
  • Monday, 22 June
  • Thursday, 16 July

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.

 

Case Study

As part of a regional Teaching School Hub partnership in the South East, Alban Teaching School Hub are proud to be supporting The MTPT Project’s Return to Work Workshops throughout the academic year 2024-25.

This 90 minute interactive webinar offers colleagues in the South East the opportunity to prepare logistically and emotionally for a confident return to work following a period of maternity, adoption or shared parental leave.

Ensuring the programme is fully-funded for state school colleagues is just one of the ways that Alban Teaching School Hub is addressing recommendations in the recent Missing Mothers report by The New Britain Project and The MTPT Project, which found that only 38% of mother-teachers surveyed were satisfied with the maternity leave and transition support provided by their school.

Fleur Baikie, a secondary middle leader in Hertfordshire attended a Return to Work workshop in February 2025.  Fleur said she enjoyed, “having some time to really think about returning to work without interruption and with the support of Emma (the facilitator) and the other parents at the workshop.”  She loved the “concrete examples” shared and says the workshop has increased her confidence about returning to work.

Find out more about The MTPT Project’s fully-funded Return to Work workshops, including upcoming dates and other regional Teaching School Hub sponsors on Eventbrite.

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!

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 Framework

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