Commercial Services

Menu
You are here: Home / Training and Events / Education Continuing Professional Development

Education Continuing Professional Development

All adults working in schools and settings benefit from high-quality professional learning. Our advisors are actively involved in research to ensure that our CPD offer is current and relevant to the needs of schools. This ongoing research, as well as partnerships with key national organisations has informed our offer for 2024-2025.

We offer a range of courses, networks and programmes covering almost all areas of the curriculum and all phases, meeting the development needs of leaders, teachers, and teaching support staff. Our CPD is delivered using a combination of face-to-face and virtual training.

For more information and to book our CPD offer for 2024-2025, please email us at CPD@durham.gov.uk

Education Durham course directory

Date and time

23/06/2025

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Since the publication of the Ofsted inspection framework in 2019, schools have focused time and energy around the development of their curricula and subject implementation in the classroom. As Ofsted moves towards focusing on the impact of the curriculum, we are encouraging head teachers and subject leaders to come together to consider how we can tell if the curriculum is having an impact. Using insights from recent Ofsted inspections, we will reflect upon how we can ensure progress is being made and the planned curriculum content and sequence is leading to positive impact in learning. Together we will discuss whether we are asking the right questions around our curriculum design and lesson content, whether teaching approaches are working well and, perhaps most importantly whether the questions we ask of the children around what they have learnt and remembered really give us insight into how the curriculum is working. Prior to this course, the course facilitator will be in touch to ask you to bring evidence that shows impact in music, so good practise can be shared and collaborative discussions can take place. 

Audience: Head teachers and subject leaders

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : £120

Non-Partner : £160

 

Date and time

24/06/2025

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Since the publication of the Ofsted inspection framework in 2019, schools have focused time and energy around the development of their curricula and subject implementation in the classroom. As Ofsted moves towards focusing on the impact of the curriculum, we are encouraging head teachers and subject leaders to come together to consider how we can tell if the curriculum is having an impact. Using insights from recent Ofsted inspections, we will reflect upon how we can ensure progress is being made and the planned curriculum content and sequence is leading to positive impact in learning. Together we will discuss whether we are asking the right questions around our curriculum design and lesson content, whether teaching approaches are working well and, perhaps most importantly whether the questions we ask of the children around what they have learnt and remembered really give us insight into how the curriculum is working. Prior to this course, the course facilitator will be in touch to ask you to bring evidence that shows impact in art, so good practise can be shared and collaborative discussions can take place. 

Audience: Head teachers and subject leaders

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : £120

Non-Partner : £160

 

Date and time

26/06/2025

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Since the publication of the Ofsted inspection framework in 2019, schools have focused time and energy around the development of their curricula and subject implementation in the classroom. As Ofsted moves towards focusing on the impact of the curriculum, we are encouraging head teachers and subject leaders to come together to consider how we can tell if the curriculum is having an impact. Using insights from recent Ofsted inspections, we will reflect upon how we can ensure progress is being made and the planned curriculum content and sequence is leading to positive impact in learning. Together we will discuss whether we are asking the right questions around our curriculum design and lesson content, whether teaching approaches are working well and, perhaps most importantly whether the questions we ask of the children around what they have learnt and remembered really give us insight into how the curriculum is working. Prior to this course, the course facilitator will be in touch to ask you to bring evidence that shows impact in geography, so good practise can be shared and collaborative discussions can take place. 

Audience: Head teachers and subject leaders

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : £120

Non-Partner : £160

 

Date and time

01/07/2025

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Since the publication of the Ofsted inspection framework in 2019, schools have focused time and energy around the development of their curricula and subject implementation in the classroom. As Ofsted moves towards focusing on the impact of the curriculum, we are encouraging head teachers and subject leaders to come together to consider how we can tell if the curriculum is having an impact. Using insights from recent Ofsted inspections, we will reflect upon how we can ensure progress is being made and the planned curriculum content and sequence is leading to positive impact in learning. Together we will discuss whether we are asking the right questions around our curriculum design and lesson content, whether teaching approaches are working well and, perhaps most importantly whether the questions we ask of the children around what they have learnt and remembered really give us insight into how the curriculum is working. Prior to this course, the course facilitator will be in touch to ask you to bring evidence that shows impact in computing, so good practise can be shared and collaborative discussions can take place. 

Audience: Head teachers and subject leaders

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : £120

Non-Partner : £160

 

Date and time

03/07/2025

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Since the publication of the Ofsted inspection framework in 2019, schools have focused time and energy around the development of their curricula and subject implementation in the classroom. As Ofsted moves towards focusing on the impact of the curriculum, we are encouraging head teachers and subject leaders to come together to consider how we can tell if the curriculum is having an impact. Using insights from recent Ofsted inspections, we will reflect upon how we can ensure progress is being made and the planned curriculum content and sequence is leading to positive impact in learning. Together we will discuss whether we are asking the right questions around our curriculum design and lesson content, whether teaching approaches are working well and, perhaps most importantly whether the questions we ask of the children around what they have learnt and remembered really give us insight into how the curriculum is working. Prior to this course, the course facilitator will be in touch to ask you to bring evidence that shows impact in PE, so good practise can be shared and collaborative discussions can take place.

Audience: Head teachers and subject leaders

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : £120

Non-Partner : £160

 

Date and time

09/07/2025

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Office staff in schools play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities. They are the administrative backbone, managing everything from student records to communication with parents and staff coordination. This drop-in opportunity will enable office staff to meet key contacts across the Council so they can put faces to names and know the right people to contact, in a range of different situations. The intention is that office staff are able to maintain and develop efficient and effective administrative processes, supported by the right people, which will directly impact upon the overall functioning of your school.

Audience: Office staff

Phase: All

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £160

 

Date and time

25/06/2025

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Summer network meetings provide subject leaders with a key opportunity to review the impact of their curriculum over the year and to consider next steps for 2025-2026. There will be a focus on strategies to promote learning in KS3 and emerging subject-specific guidance will be shared. Colleagues will have the opportunity strengthen networks across schools and to share best practice between colleagues.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Secondary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

10/07/2025

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Format:

Course Outline

The Early Years team have introduced a termly network meeting to support all schools that have two-year-olds accessing their nursery. The network will enable you to become part of an Early Years community that will support and guide all developments. You will have the opportunity to share practice, address common objectives and challenges as they arise.

Audience: Leaders of early years

Phase: Early Years

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

27/06/2025

9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Supporting communication and language in early years and Key Stage 1 is crucial for children's overall development. It helps them to communicate their thoughts and feelings, to understand others, to build essential listening and comprehension skills, to develop vocabulary and, ultimately, to succeed in school. This suite of courses is designed to unpick the many elements and strands of communication and language. Join us for some or all of these sessions to understand how to best support communication and language skills from EYFS to KS1. Understanding the fundamentals of communication and language is essential. Effective communication encompasses both verbal and non-verbal cues, as well as the strategic use of visuals to enhance comprehension. Through this session we will explore the foundational aspects of communication, along with strategies and activities to support understanding and talking.

Audience: Early Years and KS1 teachers

Phase: Early years and primary

Cost

Partner : £165

Non-Partner : £260

 

Date and time

26/06/2025

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Do you currently do any outdoor cooking with your children? Would you like to explore the idea of cooking with your children in the outdoors? This course will provide you with some simple ideas and recipes to take away to explore the benefits of outdoor cooking with your children. The session will be delivered outdoors and will explore how you could develop some simple ideas within your own setting, with practical advice and support. You will even get the opportunity to test out your outdoor cooking skills! Participants will leave with a wider range of ideas for outdoor cooking ready to implement in their own school or setting. This course will enable schools and settings to further enhance their outdoor learning offer for early years children.

Audience: Early years practitioners

Phase: EYFS

Cost

Partner : £120

Non-Partner : £160

 

Date and time

14/07/2025

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This course should be completed by EVCs every three years after undertaking the full EVC training course. It will help to refresh knowledge, give up to date guidance, support delegates to reflect on school systems and procedures and will enable EVCs to plan and manage their schools' educational visits in line with employer and national guidance. Self-study materials are released two weeks prior to the live session therefore the closing date will be earlier than five working days.

Audience: External visits coordinators

Phase: All

Cost

Partner : £95

Non-Partner : £140

 

Date and time

15/07/2025

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This course is for all staff new to the role. It will enable EVCs to plan and manage their schools' educational visits and off-site activities in line with national guidance and current best practice, and thus help fulfil their health and safety obligations. It will cover planning a visit, underpinning legal framework and the systems and procedures required to coordinate outdoor learning within the establishment. Self-study materials are released two weeks prior to the live session therefore the closing date will be earlier than five working days.

Audience: External visits coordinators

Phase: All

Cost

Partner : £175

Non-Partner : £270

 

Date and time

02/07/2025

3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Format:

Course Outline

The summer network provides an opportunity for colleagues to meet together to share updates and look ahead to what is coming over the horizon. Participants will share their successes from across the year and support one another in tackling further challenges that have arisen. There will be opportunities for colleagues to engage in coaching conversations to support with articulating the impact of their curriculum and to identify next steps moving forward.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

30/06/2025

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This summer term network meeting will provide subject leaders with a key opportunity to review the impact of their curriculum over the year and to consider next steps for 2025-2026. There will be a focus on requests of geography leads to support with areas for development they are looking at for the coming year. In addition we will share good practice around Ofsted subject conversations using colleagues who have had recent experiences to support each others development.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Secondary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

24/06/2025

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This is an opportunity to engage with professional discussion with specific focus on areas of challenge for maintained schools in Durham. These sessions provide leaders the chance to partake in robust and informative professional discussions around some of the day-to-day issues that heads are facing, with opportunities to shape how Education Durham can support schools moving forward. Please note that this network is also taking place on 26/06/2025.

Audience: Head Teachers

Phase: All

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : 0

 

Date and time

26/06/2025

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This is an opportunity to engage with professional discussion with specific focus on areas of challenge for maintained schools in Durham. These sessions provide leaders the chance to partake in robust and informative professional discussions around some of the day-to-day issues that heads are facing, with opportunities to shape how Education Durham can support schools moving forward. Please note that this network is also taking place on 24/06/2025.

Audience: Head Teachers

Phase: All

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : 0

 

Date and time

25/06/2025

4:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This face to face networking opportunity for deputy head teachers in primary schools is focused on the sharing of experiences and best practice linked to priority areas around all aspects of leadership. The network includes input on local and national developments, Ofsted and DfE updates and research of interest to leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to establish new links and gain valuable learning to support the effectiveness of leadership in their school. In addition to the three sessions, you will be invited to join a Teams forum which provides a space for sharing resources, updates and the opportunity for question and answer.

Audience: Deputy head teachers

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

02/07/2025

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This face-to-face meeting opportunity is for leaders in special schools. Each session focuses on a specific aspect of leaderslip that is specifically relevant to those leading in specialist provisions. The focus for this meeting will be confirmed nearer the time as new priorities emerge. There will be an opportunity to share and discuss current thinking and share best practice amongst the special school community. 

Audience: Special school senior Leaders

Phase: Special

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

01/07/2025

3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Format:

Course Outline

The summer network provides an opportunity for colleagues to meet together to share updates and look ahead to what is coming over the horizon. Participants will share their successes from across the year and support one another in tackling further challenges that have arisen. There will be opportunities for colleagues to engage in coaching conversations to support with articulating the impact of their curriculum and to identify next steps moving forward.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

25/06/2025

3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Format:

Course Outline

The summer network provides an opportunity for colleagues to meet together to share updates and look ahead to what is coming over the horizon. Participants will share their successes from across the year and support one another in tackling further challenges that have arisen. There will be opportunities for colleagues to engage in coaching conversations to support with articulating the impact of their curriculum and to identify next steps moving forward.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

30/06/2025

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Summer network meetings provide subject leaders with a key opportunity to review the impact of their curriculum over the year and to consider next steps for 2025-2026. There will be a focus on strategies to promote learning in KS3 and emerging subject-specific guidance will be shared. Colleagues will have the opportunity to strengthen networks across schools and to share best practice between colleagues.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Secondary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

24/06/2025

9:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Format:

Course Outline

Celebrate the art of musical mastery in our summer network, where you can learn new instruments through peer-led Instrumental Learning CPD sessions. Evaluate and refine your Music Development Plans, aligning them with your educational objectives. Engage deeply with the Secondary Singing Framework, integrating it effectively into your curriculum. This vibrant forum is the ideal setting to develop, share, and enrich your music teaching experience.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Secondary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

01/07/2025

1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Many schools are now using Compass+ to support their careers programme and evaluate progress against the Gatsby Benchmarks of best practice. In light of this, and given the importance of impactful careers guidance and support, we have partnered with the Career and Enterprise Company (CEC) to deliver some further training in how to ensure you getting the most for the Compass + tool and resources. This training is designed for schools currently using Compass+ but would also be a perfect opportunity for any schools who are considering using this free tool to come along and find out how other schools are working with this and what it potentially has to offer

Audience: Secondary SLT and careers leads

Phase: Secondary

Cost

Partner : £120

Non-Partner : £160

 

Date and time

08/07/2025

8:45 AM - 4:45 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This Boxercise Instructor course delivered by Boxercise UK is designed to meet the needs of teachers and instructors who would like to gain a foundation in the fundamental techniques of boxing for fitness and coaching. These skills can then be used to teach classes and enhance your PE curriculum and school sport provision. The aim of the Boxercise Instructor course is to ensure delegates can competently coach the basics of Boxercise to a participant, allowing them to work out safely, gaining a skill within movement. On completion of the course attendees will be able to deliver a Boxercise style class or use the skills learnt for supporting fitness and personal training in others including children and young people. The Boxercise Instructor course is a foundation course suitable for PE teachers and sport staff looking to engage children in fun physical activity. The course charge also includes additional 'Boxercise for Kids' resources.

Audience: PE teachers and sports coaches

Phase: All

Cost

Partner : £175

Non-Partner : £225

 

Date and time

26/06/2025

1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This half-day workshop will give RSHE leads the opportunity to review resources and network with other leads. An RSHE specialist will facilitate discussions, take questions and explore some of the key components that contribute to an effective RSHE curriculum throughout the afternoon session.

Audience: Senior leaders, subject leaders, teachers

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : 0

 

Date and time

03/07/2025

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This interactive network is an opportunity for RSHE leads to join an interactive discussion. It will be theme based in response to relevant issues and linked to RSHE statutory guidance. There will be opportunities to examine challenges and their solutions, share good practice, and view new RSHE resources. Outcomes include: strengthened links and communication between schools, keeping connected with the RSHE support provided and to join in round table discussions with colleagues.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Secondary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : 0

 

Date and time

26/06/2025

3:45 AM - 5:15 PM

Format:

Course Outline

The summer network provides an opportunity for colleagues to meet together to share updates and look ahead to what is coming over the horizon. Participants will share their successes from across the year and support one another in tackling further challenges that have arisen. There will be opportunities for colleagues to engage in coaching conversations to support with articulating the impact of their curriculum and to identify next steps moving forward.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Primary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

03/07/2025

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Summer network meetings provide subject leaders with a key opportunity to review the impact of their curriculum over the year and to consider next steps for 2025-2026. There will be a focus on strategies to promote learning in KS3 and emerging subject-specific guidance will be shared. Colleagues will have the opportunity strengthen networks across schools and to share best practice between colleagues.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Secondary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

02/07/2025

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Format:

Course Outline

This network meeting is for existing safeguarding and deputy safeguarding leads. The session will offer up to date local and national information along with hot topics and an opportunity to reflect on current issues impacting on practice. Sessions may include input from relevant agencies / partners. The aim of this network meeting is to: equip safeguarding leads with local and national up to date safeguarding messages; provide a forum to share Education Durham safeguarding partnership news; encourage a two way flow of information between the partnership and those working in schools in order to develop practice and procedures at a local level; and to strengthen knowledge on key emerging safeguarding topics through input from outside agencies and experts. Please note that this network is also taking place on 03/07/2025.

Audience: Designated safeguarding leads

Phase: Cross-phase

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

03/07/2025

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This network meeting is for existing safeguarding and deputy safeguarding leads. The session will offer up to date local and national information along with hot topics and an opportunity to reflect on current issues impacting on practice. Sessions may include input from relevant agencies / partners. The aim of this network meeting is to: equip safeguarding leads with local and national up to date safeguarding messages; provide a forum to share Education Durham safeguarding partnership news; encourage a two way flow of information between the partnership and those working in schools in order to develop practice and procedures at a local level; and to strengthen knowledge on key emerging safeguarding topics through input from outside agencies and experts. Please note that this network is also taking place on 02/07/2025.

Audience: Designated safeguarding leads

Phase: Cross-phase

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

24/06/2025

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Format:

Course Outline

Summer network meetings provide subject leaders with a key opportunity to review the impact of their curriculum over the year and to consider next steps for 2025-2026. There will be a focus on strategies to promote learning in KS3 and emerging subject-specific guidance will be shared. Colleagues will have the opportunity strengthen networks across schools and to share best practice between colleagues.

Audience: Subject leaders

Phase: Secondary

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £130

 

Date and time

24/06/2025

3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Format:

Course Outline

This course will support staff in schools and colleges to increase their knowledge, skills and confidence around identifying and meeting the needs of children and young people who experience anxiety. By the end of the course, staff will be supported to understand the factors that contribute to anxiety, identify pupil’s individual needs, plan appropriate outcomes, and implement effective, evidence-based strategies. As part of your attendance on this course, you will also be introduced to a range of helpful, anxiety-based resources that can be used in schools and colleges.

Audience: Teachers, HLTAs and Teaching Assistants

Phase: All

Cost

Partner : 0

Non-Partner : £160