How We Work

Collaborating to Learn

Professional development is integral to how we work as a family of schools. We believe that investing in all staff is essential for us to achieve the best outcomes for our pupils, keeping us motivated and excited about our work and to ensure out practice remains cutting-edge. Our 5-year strategy is made up of 4 themes, one of which – an Optimistic Future – recognises the crucial part all staff play in providing the best possible experience for all our pupils. Our Eko Professional Learning Framework outlines the principles on which our profesional development is built, as well as what this looks like across our Trust.

We know that great people lead great schools, and so our leadership development programme is extensive and innovative, and underpinned by our bespoke Eko Leadership Framework.  Whether leading a single school, a small team or group of schools, staff are supported and challenged to reflect, collaborate, connect and grow.

Our programmes include offers for our Talent Group, for Headteachers, Executive Leaders and school Senior Leadership Teams, and incorporate elements of coaching – 1:1 and group – mentoring, shadowing, collaborative learning and instruction. Our Professional Learning Groups also provide a network of development for middle leaders across the Trust.

We are committed to supporting our talented staff on their career pathways, and hold regular career conversations with staff.

What We Offer

We offer a wide range of evidence-informed Professional Development pathways and opportunities, and work in a range of ways to draw on the very bet support and challenge for all our staff.

This includes:

• mentoring, training, coaching, one-to-one support, shadowing and secondments

• A blend of in-house and externally commissioned mentors, coaches, and trainers

• Access to the range of National Professional Qualifications 

• Strong links with key delivery partners including London District East Teaching School Hub, #WomenEd and LETTA Trust

• Use of the apprenticeship levy for fundable training.

All members of Eko Trust are encouraged to develop their expertise and are provided with high quality professional development for their specific roles.  All staff attend the Trust's development days: previous inspirational speakers have included poet Michael Rosen, as well as musician and broadcaster Yolanda Brown, and Dwayne Fields, the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole.

The well-being of our staff is also of paramount importance to us and we recognise the part professional development and feelings of agency play in our wellbeing.

The Trust is nationally recognised for its ability to improve educational standards and also for its focus on school improvement and robust governance. Many members of the Eko Trust team are given opportunities to carry out school improvement support beyond the Trust. We are also a key delivery partner for regional Teaching School Hubs, Curriculum Hubs and ITE, Apprenticeship and Professional Development providers, with a number of our school and Trust leaders delivering content and facilitating programmes. Staff are always very positive about these experiences and grateful for the professional development that these activities afford them.