Stamford Park Trust INSET Day
On Monday, 6th January 2025, Stamford Park Trust hosted its annual INSET Day, bringing staff together for a day of professional learning and collaboration. From start to finish, the sessions delivered valuable insights, actionable strategies, and plenty of inspiration to help staff enhance their practice.
Sessions for teachers included:
Powerful Questioning with Mike Chiles
Mike Chiles explored how research-based questioning techniques can enhance teaching and learning. Staff appreciated his practical examples and left feeling confident about improving classroom interactions to close knowledge gaps.
The Power of Teams with Sam Crome
Sam Crome inspired staff with his insights on building high-performing teams. Through dynamic discussions and practical strategies, attendees gained valuable tools to strengthen collaboration and achieve shared goals.
How Learning Happens with Dr Carl Hendrick
Dr Carl Hendrick delved into the science of learning, equipping teachers with techniques to foster deeper understanding and long-term retention. His session provided practical ways to bridge cognitive science and real-world teaching.
Retrieval Practice with Kate Jones
Kate Jones’s session on retrieval practice was packed with evidence-based strategies and practical tools. Staff were keen to implement these techniques in their classrooms to enhance student learning and progress.
SEND CPD with Michael Surr
Michael Surr’s session on ‘Inclusion by Design’ offered powerful strategies to support diverse learning needs. Attendees valued his clear and thoughtful approach to creating inclusive classrooms that cater to all students.
Meanwhile for support staff there was a real focus on wellbeing, including:
Mental Health and Wellbeing with Sarah Crossley
Sarah Crossley’s wellbeing session for support staff was both engaging and rejuvenating. Participants enjoyed practical tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and appreciated the mindfulness activities, which provided a moment of calm and reflection.
EAP with Health Assured
Health Assured delivered sessions providing an overview of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential service designed to support a wide range of personal and professional challenges. The sessions highlighted how the EAP offers assistance with mental health, financial concerns, legal advice, and work-life balance, ensuring employees have access to expert guidance whenever needed.
Feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the sessions as “practical,” “engaging,” and “thought-provoking.” Sophie Mirfin, a teaching colleague who attended commented “The sessions were incredibly insightful and full of practical strategies I can use straight away. I feel inspired and better equipped to support my students’ learning and development.” Meanwhile support colleague Russell added
“The wellbeing session was exactly what I needed. It gave me practical tips for managing stress and helped me feel more balanced and focused. It’s good to know what support we have available to us from the Trust.”
Stamford Park Trust is proud to support its staff with high-quality professional development opportunities. Today’s INSET Day reinforced our shared commitment to continuous improvement and achieving excellence for our learners.
A big thank you to our speakers for their expertise and to our staff for their enthusiasm and active participation. Together, we’re making 2025 a year of innovation, collaboration, and success!