Staff Development

The quality of education which the school provides for its pupils is primarily dependent upon the quality of the whole staff group working in school. Most staff at Bettridge School hold professional qualifications appropriate to their role. In addition, many have specialist qualifications related to work with pupils who have complex special educational needs. Following recruitment to the school there is an expectation that staff will demonstrate a commitment to on-going professional development.

The school is closed to pupils on five days each year while the training needs of the whole group are addressed. Individual staff also take part in a wide variety of courses which may range in length from a single day on a particular topic to a course extending over a period of three or four years leading to further recognised qualifications. The training needs of both teachers and support staff are regularly reviewed through the performance management and appraisal process. A percentage of the school budget is allocated each year to support the staff development programme and its effectiveness in terms of the impact upon the quality of education provided for pupils is regularly evaluated.

All staff new to the school have the opportunity to take part in an induction programme to ensure they fully understand school policies and procedures.