MTPT Sustain and Grow Group Coaching Sept Thurs cohort

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Overview
A six-month coaching programme for parent-educators seeking sustainability and growth in their personal and professional lives.

Working 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 colleagues burn out, feeling forced to choose between their careers and their families.

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

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

BOOK DIRECT ON EVENTBRITE HERE

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

Dates and Session Content

As part of an empowering community of parent-teachers in similar situations, we’ll explore six key topics over six sessions:

  • Thursday 24th September – Reducing Overwhelm
  • Thursdsay 8th October – Managing Time and Energy
  • Thursday 12th November – Rationalising the Inner Critic
  • Thursday 3rd December – Living Our Values
  • Thursday 14th January – Strengthening Boundaries
  • Thursday 4th February – Brave Conversations

Sessions will run online (Zoom) on Tuesdays, 15:30-16:30. If you cannot attend the live dates, hybrid or fully recorded access to the programme is available.

Who is the programme for?

Parents of young children who are in teaching, leadership, central Trust or support staff roles in our schools. The programme is suitable for colleagues who have recently returned from parental leave, all the way up to parents with a child aged five or younger.

Our Sustain and Grow group coaching programme is fully inclusive of all parents – it’s not just for mums!

Who is our facilitating coach?

Emma Sheppard is the Founder of The MTPT Project. With twelve years’ experience of teaching and leading in challenging contexts, working both full and part-time as a middle leader and mother to two young children, she knows the emotional, logistical and physical battles that we go through as parent-teachers.

After founding The MTPT Project in 2016, Emma qualified as a coach in 2022, secured her ACC with the ICF in 2023 and has been delivering 1:1 and group coaching since 2017.

Emma creates a calm, open space where coachees feel confident to share and move forwards with their goals in a safe space where challenge is gentle but insightful, and the focus is on making things better.

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!

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.

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 | Sixth Form Leaders 2026-27

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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 | 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 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.

Sixth Formers into Teaching 2026-27

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Join our LIVE ZOOM MEETING on Wednesday, 21st October 2026 at 4pm to find out more about delivering our Sixth Formers into Teaching programme in your school setting.  Book to the left of this page to receive the joining link.  Please check your junk folder if you do not receive this immediately.

Who is this for?

Secondary Phase | Heads of Departments, Sixth Form Leaders, Careers Advisors

Meet the facilitator

Carolina Unsain, Head of Spanish, Sandringham School

Carolina is an experienced Head of Spanish at Sandringham School and a teacher of Spanish and French. She is passionate about teaching and learning and has lead staff development and curriculum changes in the MFL department over the last eleven years. She has a background in TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) and has worked in international environments in the UK and abroad leading the academic provision for students of primary and secondary age as well as adults. She is hoping this session will give you the tools and structure to deliver this new exciting programme and inspire future generations of teachers.

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.

 

MTPT Supporting Working Parents 2026-27

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Hear from the CEO of MTPT and look at your strategy for supporting working parents in your organisation

In the midst of our ongoing recruitment and retention crisis, we know that we need to do all we can to fill vacancies with quality practitioners, and hold on to valuable staff.  But more often than not, our focus falls onto recruiting new trainees into the profession, and retaining them beyond the first 3-5 years.  With recruitment targets missed again and again, it’s a system that doesn’t seem to be working.  So what are we missing?
Join Emma Sheppard, founder of The MTPT Project, the UK’s charity for parent-teachers, to understand how concentrating our efforts on a different group of teachers – women aged 30-39 – will have a greater impact not just on teacher retention, but on recruitment, quality of teaching and learning and the overall health of our workforce.
She’ll share little-known statistics about this mid-career demographic, the largest group to leave teaching every year, as well as what we can do to support them to remain in the profession.  You’ll finish the session with an improved understanding of Schools Workforce Census data, strategies that you can implement immediately, and a vision for a longer term plan for retention, equality and wellbeing.

This session will be held on Monday, 19th October 2026 from 2pm to 3.30pm at Sandringham School.

Speaker

Emma Sheppard
Founder of The MaternityTeacher PaternityTeacher Project

 

The MaternityTeacher PaternityTeacher Project
The UK’s charity for parent-teachers.
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

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Mental Health Knowledge for Managers 2026-27

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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 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