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WELCOME
Welcome to the MSTA CPLD brochure for 2025-26. In line with our vision, our programme has a particular focus on SEND. We aim to support staff
who are keen to learn and develop their own practice.
Our unique offer has evolved over the past twelve years and includes tried and tested programmes as well as new initiatives.
Our programme includes highly regarded leadership development opportunities, including bespoke support for schools.
We also include signposts to other organisations whose offer may be of interest to you, including Wandle Teaching School Hub, Whole School SEND and the Autism Education Trust.
Continuing Professional Learning and Leadership Development
2025-2026
CONTENTS
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
OUR VISION
Our mission is to support the most successful outcomes for all pupils, especially those with special and/or additional needs, through a shared moral purpose and the development of outstanding practice across the local area and region.
Our vision is underpinned by our commitment to the Framework for Ethical Leadership in Education. We ensure that we abide by its seven principles to support our decision making.
Integrity
These principles are:
Selflessness
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Objectivity
Honesty
Leadership
Openness
Accountability
COSTS — VIRTUAL COURSES
Individual session half day course £45
Group session half day course (up to 4 participants from one school)£90
Individual full day course £75
Group full day (up to 4 participants from one school) £150
Individual 2 session course £80
Group 2 session course (up to 4 participants from one school)£130
COSTS: FACE TO FACE AT ONE OF OUR MERTON VENUES
Half day £75
Group Session (up to 3 participants from one school) £150 Full day £150
Group Session (up to 3 participants from one school) £300
2 session course half day £130
Come and See Events £45
Please email msta@perseid.merton.sch.uk for further information
2025-26
Section 1: Courses Content
Learning Mentor Training- SEND Leadership
Learning Mentor Training- Developing Classroom Practice
Managing Behaviours that Challenge
Using Social Narratives to Support
Transition from Primary to Secondary
Come and See Event- EYFS Learners with Autism
Come and See Event- KS1/2 Learners with Autism
Come and See Event - KS3 Learners with Autism
AET: Good Autism Practice (Schools)
“An outstanding courses full of specialist info delivered in an exquisite way with care, emotion and reality.”
OUR OFFER
AUDIENCE
Schools and Early Year Provisions
FACILITATORS/TRAINERS
Teacher Consultant
DELIVERY/DURATION
Delivered to your requirements
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DATES
Delivered to your requirements
COST
Available on request please email
HOW TO BOOK
Please book by clicking here
Bespoke Twilight Training / Inset Days and Staff Meetings
SEND LEADERSHIP
Peer Mentoring for Whole school SEND leadership
AIM:
To support Senior Leaders, via a partnership approach, to:
PROGRAMME: The programme provides four half day (up to 3 hour) sessions with the identified Peer Mentor. The way in which each school uses the Peer Mentoring support will be unique to that school’’s individual priorities. Work is based on the initial information-gathering and sharing discussion between Mentor and Mentees, from which the Mentor will prepare a draft ‘road map’ to shape the sessions towards the desired outcome. The Mentor and Mentee jointly decide to undertake learning walks, data scrutiny, solution-focused case discussions, or other similar activity, in order to achieve the desired outcomes. Discussions will include a focus on:
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Funded by Attain (Merton Schools)
COST: Nil to Merton Schools - funded by Attain. For Merton Schools
DATE: To run over the course of one term
FACILITATORS: Tina Harvey and Katharine Davies
DESIGNED FOR:
Senior Leaders
Developing Classroom Practice
The Developing Classroom Practice has evolved from the Enhancing Teacher Programme which was delivered for many years in Merton and met with very positive feedback. The strength of the course is the focus on observing teachers in their own classroom settings within Merton schools.
The course aims to provide teachers with the skills to develop and
improve their potential.
We focus on identifying factors that deliver effective teaching and
learning in the classroom. The sessions are based on:
Audience:
This course is aimed at teachers in their first few years of teaching
within Primary Schools and those looking to refresh their classroom
practice after a number of years teaching.
Cost:
FREE to Merton Schools (funded by Attain).
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Funded by Attain (Merton Schools)
DATE: Expressions of interest welcome. Please contact us on 020 8648 9737.
FACILITATORS: Katharine Davies, Sarah Jowett and Fran Baxter
‘’It has given me greater confidence in terms of questioning, assessment and adaptive teaching. It has opened my eyes to other ways to learn. I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and found it extremely beneficial.’’
MANAGING BEHAVIOURS THAT CHALLENGE IN THE CLASSROOM: POSITIVE ENGAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
The workshop will explore strategies and approaches to support positive pupil behaviour.
AUDIENCE
Teachers / Teaching Assistants from schools and clusters
FACILITATOR/TRAINER
Merton Educational Psychology Service
DATE
Expressions of interest welcome. Please contact us on
0208 640 1177
DELIVERY/VENUE
Cricket Green School
COST
£75 per person or £150 for up to 3 participants
HOW TO BOOK
Please email msta@cricketgreen.merton.sch.uk
USING SOCIAL NARRATIVES TO SUPPORT LEARNERS WITH AUTISM
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
Social narratives can help children with autism develop greater social understanding. This workshop will look at ways social narratives can be used and the steps to follow to write your own social narratives. All participants are then invited to attend a later follow up workshop to share the narratives that they have written and receive additional specific support and guidance.
AUDIENCE
Teachers / Teaching Assistants/ SENCOs from schools and clusters
FACILITATOR/TRAINER
Merton Autism Outreach Service
DATE
Expressions of interest welcome. Please contact us on
0208 640 1177
DELIVERY/VENUE
Cricket Green School
COST
£75 per person or £150 for up to 3 participants
HOW TO BOOK
Please email msta@cricketgreen.merton.sch.uk
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AUTISM AND EATING
AUTISM AND EATING
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
This training explores the differences that may be observed in the eating behaviours of young people with autism. Participants will look at different approaches and strategies that can be used to support development and enjoyment in this area.
AUDIENCE
Teachers / Teaching Assistants/ SENCOs from schools and clusters
FACILITATOR / TRAINER
Merton Autism Outreach Service
DATE
Expressions of interest welcome. Please contact us on
0208 640 1177
COST
£75.00 per person or £150 for up to 3 participants
DELIVERY/VENUE
Cricket Green School
HOW TO BOOK
Please email msta@cricketgreen.merton.sch.uk
NAS PARENT PROGRAMMES
(EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus and Teenlife)
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OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
These parent programmes are designed to support parents and carers of pupils on the autistic spectrum (under 5yrs, 5-9 years and 10-16 years, respectively).
Sessions cover understanding autism, communication and behaviour. Programme book and individual support included.
AUDIENCE
Parents and carers of children on the autistic spectrum
FACILITATOR / TRAINER
Merton Autism Outreach Service
DATE
Programmes run termly, parents self refer
DELIVERY/VENUE
Cricket Green School
HOW TO BOOK
Parents to self refer by contacting 0208 640 1177
Please email: msta@cricketgreen.merton.sch.uk
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
Workshop for school staff to support autistic learners or those with social communication differences with the transition from primary to secondary school. The workshop will share resources and look at ways to adapt and deliver support.
AUDIENCE
TAs, Teachers and SENCOs from schools and clusters
FACILITATORS
Merton Autism Outreach Service
DATE
Expressions of interest welcome. Please contact us on 0208 640 1177
DELIVERY/VENUE
Cricket Green School
COST
Free to Merton maintained schools and academies
HOW TO BOOK
Please email msta@cricketgreen.merton.sch.uk
TRANSITION FROM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
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OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
An opportunity to observe the consultant teacher in the classroom using a number of specialist strategies and interventions, followed by a debrief and a chance to discuss how strategies can work in your environment.
AUDIENCE
Teachers / Teaching Assistants responsible for leading provision for pupils with additional needs
FACILITATOR / TRAINER
Jeni Merchant Lead Practitioner EYFS, Perseid Lower School, (MSTA Teacher Consultant)
DATES
25th March 2026 and 10th June 2026
DELIVERY/VENUE
Perseid Lower School
COST
£45 per person
HOW TO BOOK
Please book by clicking here
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COME AND SEE EVENT: CONSULTANT TEACHER IN THE CLASSROOM -
EYFS LEARNERS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND AUTISM
‘’It was really useful to spend time in the classroom and then talk to the teacher’’
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
An opportunity to observe the consultant teacher in the classroom using a number of specialist strategies and interventions, followed by a debrief and a chance to discuss how strategies can work in your environment.
AUDIENCE
Teachers / Teaching Assistants responsible for leading provision for pupils with Autism
FACILITATOR / TRAINER
Camilla Cronin-Reay Lead Practitioner, Perseid Lower School, (MSTA Teacher Consultant)
DATES
Expressions of interest welcome. Please email us on msta@perseid.merton.sch.uk
DELIVERY/VENUE
Perseid Upper School
COST
£45 per person
HOW TO BOOK
Please book by clicking here
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COME AND SEE EVENT: CONSULTANT TEACHER IN THE CLASSROOM -
KS1 & KS2 LEARNERS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND AUTISM
‘’I will be talking with my team regarding independent work and how we could introduce this into our classroom’’
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
An opportunity to observe the consultant teacher in the classroom using a number of specialist strategies and interventions, followed by a debrief and a chance to discuss how strategies can work in your environment.
AUDIENCE
Teachers / Teaching Assistants responsible for leading provision for pupils with Autism.
FACILITATOR / TRAINER
Karen Hussein Lead Practitioner, Perseid Upper School, (MSTA Teacher Consultant)
DATES
Mutually Agreed
DELIVERY/VENUE
Perseid Upper School
COST
£45 per person
HOW TO BOOK
For more information please email msta@perseid.merton.sch.uk
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COME AND SEE EVENT: CONSULTANT TEACHER IN THE CLASSROOM -
KS3 LEARNERS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND AUTISM
‘’I am amazed at the calmness of the classroom, the children were so well behaved’’
AET - AUTISM AND ANXIETY
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
This module explores how autistic youngsters might express anxiety, what can cause anxiety and what you can do to prevent and reduce the anxiety.
AUDIENCE
All staff within any education setting from schools and clusters (including office staff, Governors, caretakers, drivers, escorts). Training can be specifically tailored to support Midday Supervisors.
FACILITATORS
Merton Autism Outreach Service
DATE
Expressions of interest welcome. Please contact us on
0208 640 1177
DELIVERY/VENUE
Cricket Green School
COST
£75.00 per person or £150 for up to 3 participants
HOW TO BOOK
Please email msta@cricketgreen.merton.sch.uk
AET—GOOD AUTISM PRACTICE (schools)
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
Practical knowledge, hands on tools and techniques to support pupils on the autism spectrum.
AUDIENCE
All staff working directly with pupils on the autism spectrum from schools and clusters (e.g. TA’s, lunchtime staff, teachers and SENCOs)
FACILITATORS
Merton Autism Outreach Service
DATE
Expressions of interest welcome. Please contact us on
0208 640 1177
DELIVERY/VENUE
Cricket Green School
COST
£150 per person or £300 for up to 3 participants
HOW TO BOOK
Please email msta@cricketgreen.merton.sch.uk
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OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
AUDIENCE
All staff working with children with sensory needs.
FACILITATOR / TRAINER
Camilla Cronin - Reay Lead Practitioner at Perseid School,
(MSTA Teacher Consultant)
DATE
21st January 2026
SENSORY PROCESSING
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‘’ This was a brilliant course, very insightful and helpful. Hoping this will be run again soon, so that some of my room team, especially my 1:1 staff can complete it’’
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Section 2: Coaching and Mentoring Content
Safeguarding Reflective Practice Supervision Group
SENCO Reflective Practice Supervision Group
COACHING AND MENTORING
DELIVERY/DURATION
A flexible number of coaching sessions, bespoke to your particular needs. We offer a flexible approach and can create a bespoke package to suit your requirements.
Sessions take place face to face or online for 1 hour.
COST
£450 (£75 per session)
6 x 1 hour sessions with Fiona Copeland, Executive
Headteacher, Perseid School).
Pro-bono session, 6 x 1 hour session with Surita Meyer (Head of School,
Perseid School).
HOW TO BOOK
Please email msta@perseid.merton.sch.uk
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
MSTA has a wealth of experience in providing personal, professional coaching support and development for teachers and school leaders.
AUDIENCE
Available to Teachers and School Leaders.
FACILITATORS
Our coaching and mentoring support is provided by those members of our Leader and Teacher Consultant teams experienced in coaching, mentoring and supervision. .
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SAFEGUARDING REFLECTIVE PRACTICE SUPERVISION GROUP
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
For DSLs/ DDLS’s to part of a one-year reflective practice group (maximum of 6 participants) where the safeguarding work of members is enhanced through guided planning, discussion, reflection and presentation, leading to improved outcomes for children and families as well as positive impact on practitioner well-being.
AUDIENCE
School based Designated Safeguarding Leads
PROTOCOL
A draft supervisor agreement is shared with the group during session 1, amended, agreed and shared. Supervision group impact is evaluated by the group.
Fiona Copeland, Executive Headteacher Perseid School on behalf of Merton Special Training Association.
Fiona is a highly experienced school leader and experienced DSL who has undertaken additional accredited supervision and coaching training via The Coaching Academy, the NSPCC and The NLP Academy.
DELIVERY/DURATION
Blended—sessions 1,3 & 6 face to face at Perseid Upper School and sessions 2, 4 & 5 online via zoom.
DATES
10th October 2025 (F2F), 28th November 2025, 6th February 2026 (F2F), 20th March 2026, 15th May 2026 and 3rd July 2026 (F2F).
COST
£250 for the year.
HOW TO BOOK
Please book by clicking here
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SUPERVISOR
SENCO REFLECTIVE PRACTICE SUPERVISION GROUP
OBJECTIVES/CONTENT
For SENCOs to part of a one-year reflective practice group (maximum of 6 participants) where the work of members is enhanced through guided planning, discussion, reflection and presentation, leading to improved outcomes for children and families as well as positive impact on practitioner well-being.
AUDIENCE
School based SENCOs
PROTOCOL
A draft supervisor agreement is shared with the group during session 1
SUPERVISOR
Emma Westwood, Assistant Headteacher, Perseid School on behalf of Merton Special Training Association. (MSTA Teacher Consultant)
Emma Westwood is a highly experienced school leader and trainer who has undertaken additional accredited supervision and coaching training, Emma is also completing her training to become a certified VIG practitioner (video interaction guidance) and is part of the Merton Supervision in schools project.
DELIVERY/DURATION
Perseid Upper School
DATES
3rd October 2025, 5th December 2025, 23rd January 2026, 13th March, 8th May 2026 and 10th July 2026
COST
£250 for the year.
HOW TO BOOK
Please book by clicking here
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Celia Dawson
Tina Harvey
Katharine Davies
Matt Ball
Fiona Copeland
Laura Howarth
Fran Baxter
Sarah Jowett
Louis Jhugroo
Emma Westwood
Bonnie Brown
Camilla Cronin–Reay
Jenny Guppy
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All our Education Consultants and Teacher Consultants are experienced in providing School to School Support through leading courses or providing bespoke consultancy. We are keen for you to benefit from the input we can provide and urge you to contact us msta@perseid.merton.sch.uk to discuss your particular requirements.
Surita Meyer
Jeni Merchant
Mia Dodsworth
Karen Hussein
Keith Ellis
Section 3
Our People
WANDLE TEACHING SCHOOL HUB
In 2025/26 we are working with Wandle Teaching School Hub pro (WTSH) to provide:
PARTNERSHIP WORKING
AUTISM EDUCATION TRUST (AET)
MSTA is a licenced AET partner, delivering AET training in Early Years,
School and Post 16 programmes. Bonnie Brown Assistant Headteacher
from Cricket Green School (MSTA Teacher Consultant) leads this
programme.
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INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING
MSTA has a strong proven track record supporting Initial Teacher Training
The ITT opportunities that we are currently
supporting are:
Teacher Apprenticeship (Coventry University)
Teacher placements — PGCE via University of Roehampton
Final Placement — BA QTS—via University of Roehampton
To find out more please email MSTA@perseid.merton.sch.uk
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Merton Special Training Association
020 8648 9737
mertonspecialtrainingassociation.org.uk
Twitter: @MertonSpecialTA
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