This term, the first cohort of Early Career Teachers will complete their two year induction period. The extension to two years was broadly welcomed. I can certainly remember my NQT year being a period of rapid learning punctuated by intermittent catastrophes! An Ofsted review of teachers professional development in schools published last week offers an early insight into the impact of the changes to the Early Career Framework, along with a wider review of the place of professional development in schools. It is acknowledged that the schools in the study understood the importance of continuing teacher training and the impact it has on student outcomes.

However, time pressures, school closures and competing themes such as mental health and well-being that were not necessarily previously part of core programmes have now had to be considered. As anyone who has ever set out a whole school plan for professional development knows, there has always been much competition for themes and making sessions impactful can be easier said than done. The HISP research school offer an interesting summary of the relevant research of effective CPD here, but other pressures can mean CPD consists of a tired hour of information sharing at the end of a long day.

Investing in teachers at the start is essential in sustaining a work force and recouping longer term their interest in teaching as a career. In September, Camden Learning will continue to provide an enhanced professional development model for early career teachers that is designed to attract and retain the best teachers in Camden and support our place based collaborative way of working. Our Appropriate Body partner for next academic year will be the Central London Teaching School Hub in Paddington. However, our ECT programme will continue to be partnered with the Education Development Trust (EDT) so that Camden ECTs receive a full induction programme locally, led by expert practitioners giving Camden ECTs a valuable chance to network and learn from one another. When you register your new ECTs on the Dfe portal and (if asked) indicate EDT as your preferred provider, we will automatically add them to our enhanced programme.

Tomorrow, we have our Camden Learning Governors’ conference. One of the themes will be the work that has been undertaken to build on the theme of partnerships set out in BBS. If you haven’t already, please don’t forget to add your voice to this by completing the partnerships survey.

Enjoy the weekend. Half term is nearly upon us!

Stephen Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Camden Learning