³Ô¹Ïtv

EducationCareer-Long Professional Learning

We aim to make a positive impact on the lives of others through education. We seek to achieve this through our teaching, research and knowledge exchange activity. Importantly, in doing so, we work closely with our school and local authority partners in relation to Career-long Professional Learning (CLPL).

Our events support the continuing professional development of teachers and other professionals with access to high-quality learning, teaching and development opportunities. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or would like to discuss available options, please contact us.

PDF download - CLPL Catalogue 2025-26

Find out more about other courses on offer including MEd

Current CLPL events:

May 2026

Nova Lauder-Scott, Gillian Francis-McNeil, ³Ô¹Ïtv

Date:  30 May

Times:  1000 – 1500

Cost:  £65

Location:  ³Ô¹Ïtv

Register:  or via our Application Form - Leadership

This course will be suitable for early years leaders, primary and secondary school leaders, and headteachers who are considering progression into more senior or strategic roles. It will be particularly valuable for those preparing to apply for Into Headship or those seeking to strengthen their readiness for senior leadership. The course can be adapted to different levels depending on the audience.

Delivered by the leaders of ³Ô¹Ïtv’s Into Headship programme, this one-day professional learning opportunity provides participants with the tools and insights required to lead strategically. Participants will explore what it means to move beyond operational leadership to shaping culture, driving improvement, and leading learning, communities, and change. The course situates strategic leadership firmly within the Scottish education policy landscape, ensuring participants understand the expectations and responsibilities of senior roles.

In addition, the session provides space for critical self-reflection, enabling participants to analyse their own leadership journey, identify strengths, and recognise areas for growth. Time is dedicated to peer networking, offering opportunities to build supportive professional connections that can extend beyond the session itself.

This course is suitable for the following participants: Early years practitioners; primary teachers and secondary teachers. **Participants will be in school/early years leadership roles and considering progression to a more senior role. **

June 2026

Professor Deirdre Grogan, ³Ô¹Ïtv

Date:  1 June

Time:  1630-1800

Cost:  £20

Location:  Online

Register:  or via our Application Form - Child Curriculum

This professional learning session invites educators to rethink curriculum not as a predetermined sequence of outcomes, but as a lived experience co‑constructed with children. Drawing on the 6Cs-Culture, Context, Choice, Collaboration, Challenge, and Consolidation. This session repositions the child as an active agent whose cultural world, relationships, and environment fundamentally shape the learning process.

Grounded in contemporary theory and practice, The Child’s Curriculum provides a powerful lens for understanding how children make meaning in early learning settings. Participants will explore how cultural experiences form the basis of identity and learning; how context (spaces, routines, materials and locality) anchors children in purposeful engagement; and how genuine choice supports intrinsic motivation and wellbeing. The session also examines the central role of collaboration in constructing knowledge with peers and adults, the importance of sensitive and meaningful challenge, and the need for consolidation opportunities that deepen and solidify understanding over time.

This session is ideal for early years practitioners, teachers working in early level, leaders, ELC teams, and professionals committed to building a more thoughtful, child‑centred, and research‑informed approach to curriculum.

Jane Catlin, Dr Zinnia Mevawalla, Dr Yuchen Wang, ³Ô¹Ïtv

Dates:  5 June

Times:  10.00am-3.30pm

Cost:  £80 (including lunch)

Location:  ³Ô¹Ïtv

Register:  or via our Application Form - Inclusion

This session is for all educators who wish to deepen and extend their thinking around working with and for an increasingly diverse learning community. We will move beyond deficit framing of children’s capacities by exploring concepts from key scholars in the field of inclusive education. We offer an opportunity to unpack what ‘inclusion’ and ‘additional support needs’ should mean for practice. We share how to develop strengths-based perspectives in ways that dismantle systemic barriers and identify positive actions to bring about more socially just, equitable and inclusive learning for all.

 Aims:

  • Consolidate an understanding of inclusive education and pedagogy (what it is and what it is not)
  • Recognise learner diversity as an asset and understand strengths-based working in classroom practice
  • Be able to draw on disability theory to reframe our relational working and recognise the rights of the child under both the UNCRC and UNCRPD.
  • Use creativity and arts-based methods to develop practical strategies for building a sense of belonging, inclusion, and community cohesion.

Dr Jonathan Firth, ³Ô¹Ïtv

Dates:  9 June

Times:  1500-1700

Cost:  £40.00

Location:  ³Ô¹Ïtv

Register:  or via our Application Form - Study Skills

Pupils need to develop good independent study habits, helping them to become successful, self-regulating independent learners. However, most do not know how to study effectively because the process of learning is not intuitive, and hard work only goes so far.  

This session will cover the essentials of good study habits that can be applied to note-taking, revision, working for tests, review and consolidation work, and exam preparation. Drawing on the contemporary cognitive psychology of how people learn, this session will debunk certain popular myths and focus on well-evidenced study strategies that can be used by pupils of all ages and attainment levels. It will position effective learning as a skill, and one that can and should be developed to help support students’ journey of increasing independence through the school years and beyond.

This course is suitable for the following participants: secondary teachers, headteachers, further education.

Professor Deirdre Grogan, ³Ô¹Ïtv

Dates:  9 June

Times:  1600-1730

Cost:  £20.00

Location:  Online

Register:  Online (link tbc) or via our Application Form - Blueprint

Are you new to play-based pedagogy, or looking to deepen your understanding of how play shapes young children’s development? This engaging and practical training session is designed to support staff at the beginning of their journey with play, including NQTs and anyone interested in harnessing the power of play in early years settings.

In this session, we will explore the true value of play and how thoughtfully designed environments can inspire curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning. Using a clear and accessible framework, we will break down effective provision into four key elements:

  • Site – Understanding the overall environment and how space influences learning
  • Section – Organising areas to encourage exploration and independence
  • Structure – Creating purposeful, flexible, and engaging play opportunities
  • Systems – Embedding routines and approaches that sustain high-quality play

Through a blend of expert input and collaborative discussion, you will gain practical ideas and fresh perspectives to take back to your setting. The session includes interactive breakout opportunities, allowing you to reflect, share experiences, and apply your learning in a supportive environment.

You will leave with strategies and take-away resources to help you confidently design and enhance play-rich environments that support every child’s development.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your practice, this session will equip you with the tools and inspiration to build the very best beginnings for the children in your setting.