CPD boosted by extension of National Strategies contract

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has pledged to invest an extra £64 million in the National Strategies programme, to extend the contract by one year.

This will allow a number of people in teaching jobs at both primary and secondary schools, as well as early years providers, to take advantage of specialist continual professional development (CPD).

Delivered on behalf of the department by Capita Strategic Children's Services, the programmes have been designed to enhance teacher and learning quality in schools and early years settings.

In turn, they are aimed at boosting attainment levels among pupils across the country.

"The government remains committed to raising standards for all children and the National Strategies programmes help us do that by providing resources, advice and guidance to local authorities and schools," stated schools minister Jim Knight, who announced the new funds yesterday.

More targeted training and support needs to be provided to school staff ahead of the roll-out of the 14-19 diplomas across 97 per cent of local authorities over the next year, the Teacher Support Network argued recently.

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