Free webinars during May and June

The Confederation of School Trusts (CST) is working with BlueSky to provide a specific programme of free CPD webinars to schools and trusts as they navigate the challenges COVID-19 presents.

BlueSky’s professional learning platform combined with expert facilitation will enable leaders and teachers to experience and evidence quality professional learning directly relevant to the current need.

This partnership has created a CPD series specifically designed to help leaders and teachers navigate the current education environment and manage the recovery period that follows.

Our offer will enable participants uniquely to evidence their professional learning and register impact in their own professional portfolio, thus building a picture of the professional engagements they have undertaken and the relevance and impact it has had both on their own practice and the needs of their teams and schools. They will also have the opportunity to engage in wider networks within the BlueSky community, sharing best practice and learning from others.

By registering for one or more webinars, participants will be part of a rich and diverse programme of support that will utilise the skills and knowledge of some of the very best specialists in the sector, including Professor Rob Coe and Professor Daniel Muijs.

BlueSky are providing free access to a ‘lite’ version of their platform for non-BlueSky members so that everyone who is interested can participate regardless if their organisation is a BlueSky member. This offer is not limited to the COVID-19 period, the free portfolio will be a feature of BlueSky’s offer going forward.

The first in our series of webinars are a suite of CPD for Leaders ‘Leading during COVID-19’ and are available to book now. These will be facilitated by expert coaches from BTS Spark UK, consisting of three weekly webinars per topic.

The programme includes webinar topics such as

  • Leading Remotely – Being at my best remotely; Building the virtual engagement of your team; Creating alignment across your team
  • Leading in Uncertainty – Maintaining your resourcefulness; Creating a purposeful way forward for your school; Taking people with you
  • Personal Resourcefulness – Mindset matters; Boosting your resilience; The Mindtraps that get in our way
  • Supporting Others – Powerful Conversations; Committed listening; The Four Faces of Coaching
  • Thriving for Tomorrow – Personal resourcefulness; Rediscovering your purpose; Maximising your energy

Further webinars will be added to the programme throughout May and June, and will be hosted by experts in their field.

“I am really pleased to bring this offer to CST members as well as the NQTs and early career teachers we support through NTA. I’d like to thank our expert facilitators who are offering their time free of charge as a way of building sector capacity during the pandemic.” Leora Cruddas, CEO, Confederation of School Trusts

“BlueSky is delighted to be partnering with Confederation of School Trusts to bring this unique offer to leaders and teachers. This unique offer will support school leaders and teachers in working through the challenges that will lay ahead as we recover from the impact of COVID-19. A tailored programme of expertly delivered CPD, access to curated resources to enrich and support, an ongoing dialogue between participants during the programme and the ability to evidence the professional learning provide an exceptional opportunity for our leaders and teachers. The launch of our free BlueSky portfolio enables professional learning and its impact to be captured and personalised at a time when the challenge for personal professional development could not be more acute, whether a Trust Leader or an early careers teacher.” Denise Inwood, Founder and Managing Director of BlueSky

“We’re delighted to support BlueSky Education’s webinar programme and share some of our insights relating to key aspects of leadership that are likely to be particularly important as school and MAT leaders navigate the continuing uncertainty and challenges presented by COVID-19. Each webinar will highlight relevant leadership mindsets and behaviours and share practical tips and tools that leaders can apply day-to-day, whether working remotely or in school.” Denise Barrows, Head of Education, BTS Spark UK