The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) has developed and is piloting a national database of continuing professional development (CPD) available for teachers and the wider school workforce. The database allows school staff to search for CPD opportunities and to view detailed information about the expected outcomes, accreditation opportunities, duration and cost. The search tool can provide school staff with insight into the opportunities available, particularly if they are uncertain how to meet their CPD requirements.
All CPD providers listing opportunities on the database must sign up to a code of practice. This has been developed by the TDA to provide a set of minimum requirements for providers of high-quality CPD. It is intended to give school staff confidence that the opportunities on the database conform to a minimum standard of quality.
The TDA has commissioned CUREE to undertake an evaluation of a sample of providers and provision against the expectations set out in the code of practice to establish whether the code is fit for its purpose of improving the quality of CPD on offer. The evaluation involves analysis of CPD materials, telephone interviews with providers and participants and observations of CPD opportunities. Taking part in this process will give providers the opportunity to reflect upon their provision ensuring its fit with the code of practice.
For more information about the database of CPD providers see: https://cpdsearch.tda.gov.uk/