Embark MAT Professional Development (PD) Group

Please note: This event booking is only applicable for invited registration for schools/settings within the Embark Multi-Academy Trust. If you are not part of this group, please contact us for further guidance.

This Personal Development Group (PDG) will focus on the effective deployment of Teaching Assistants (TAs) in any educational setting, with an emphasis on developing pedagogy and equipping TAs with the skills they need to fulfil their roles effectively.

The programme is designed for staff members who are responsible for the deployment and professional development of TAs across their school. It represents an excellent opportunity to create a long-term, self-sustaining model for TA development across the trust.

This PDG addresses a longstanding gap in our CPD offer and provides both the support and expert input needed for participants to design and deliver bespoke training programmes for TAs in their own settings—reaching a wide audience and ensuring real impact.

Participants will also be supported to deliver this training either independently or collaboratively through cluster models, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to school contexts. This approach ensures alignment with both individual school improvement priorities and wider trust goals.

“It is not the presence of teaching assistants, but how they are deployed and supported that matters.” - Education Endowment Foundation, Making Best Use of Teaching Assistants

Running from September to February, the group will meet over 5–6 sessions, delivered through a mixture of face-to-face and online formats.

This is an extremely exciting offer that will have a meaningful impact on both staff development and pupil outcomes across our schools.

Dates and times of sessions

• Session 1: 11th September 4-5pm (online)

Launch of project (headteachers and project leads)

• Session 2: 25th September 1.30-3.30pm (online)

Rationale & Online Action Planning

• Sessions 3 and 4: 13th October 9.30am-3.30pm (in-person, venue details will be sent by email)

Development Day

• Session 5: 4th December 1.30-3.30pm (online)

Review and Support

• Session 6: 6th February 9.30am-3.30pm (in-person, venue details will be sent by email)

Celebration and Sharing of Impact

If you have any questions, please contact the Whole School SEND team.

By signing up you are demonstrating a commitment to attend these sessions.