Weaver Trust

Weaver Trust Career Pathway

In Weaver Trust, we empower, equip and enable our school staff and Governors to deliver the very best outcomes for all children in our Trust, regardless of their individual starting point, or need.  Inspiring both adults and children to believe in their own abilities and achieve their very best is the ethos behind all of our work. We live out our mission to be a 'Trust of Opportunity',  providing all with the knowledge, skills and attributes required to succeed and flourish.  Our series of training courses - Weaver Trust Pathway - is used to unfill our mission.

For Leaders - The pathway training programme challenges and supports those who are responsible for safeguarding, teaching and learning, well-being and development of staff.  Training focuses on giving leaders the opportunities
to specialise in specific areas, and in desired, gain professional qualifications.

For Educators - Quality-first teaching is the biggest factor in raising the attainment of children. Our pathway training ensures all teachers and support staff are confident in delivering lessons in-line with Weaver Trust’s Teaching and Learning Framework – which sets out a structure based on research, and up to date proven pedagogical strategies - which allow pupils to achieve.

SEND/Disadvantaged - We know that all pupils – particularly those with barriers to learning – need individualised support. At Weaver Trust, we have the highest of ambitions for all pupils. Our pathway provides SENDCos, leaders and teachers  training which focuses on removing and overcoming barriers, making adaptations, and ensuring statutory duties are met.   
 
Networking and Collaboration - Trust and relationships are at the heart of our practice. Bringing professionals together to learn from collective expertise benefits not only staff, but also benefits outcomes for pupils. 

Overall, we provide a pathway of training for our community, which always focuses on the very best education for our children.  

Leadership and Governance

Leadership and governance are the key pillars that shape the overall growth, discipline, and academic performance of pupils. This training is designed to introduce aspiring leaders and local governors to the principles of good governance and effective leadership.

We focus on:
Understanding leadership
What it means to be a leader, the qualities of a good leader, and the roles leaders play in a school environment.

Governance in schools
How decisions are made, statutory responsibilities, policies, and how every Governor supports leadership and contributes to a well-run school.

Practical leadership skills
Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, collaboration and decision-making.

Values in leadership
Integrity, fairness, accountability, and service to others.

The aim is to nurture learners who can lead with confidence, uphold our Trust values, and work with others to create a positive  school environment. Leadership and governance training creates an inclusive, ambitious ethos across all of our schools.

Effective Networking 

Collaboration and professional networks are vital in strengthening the quality of teaching and learning in Weaver Trust. When teachers and schools work together, we create a supportive environment which promotes the sharing of best practices, innovative ideas, and effective strategies to meet the diverse needs of our children.
Networks provide leaders, teachers and support staff with opportunities to learn from each other’s experiences, reflect on their own practice, and gain new perspectives on challenges they face. This collective approach reduces professional isolation, particularly for Early Career Teachers, and fosters a sense of belonging within the Weaver Trust community.

Collaboration between our Trust and schools also ensures consistency and equity in education. By working in partnership, we can pool resources, develop joint initiatives, and address common priorities such as curriculum, teaching, inclusion, and the integration of technology. These partnerships not only enhance teaching quality, but also contribute to improved outcomes for children, ensuring that every pupil benefits from the collective expertise across our Trust.
Ultimately, strong networks and collaboration empower all to grow professionally, strengthen school communities, and build a culture of continuous improvement which directly supports the success and well-being of all pupils.

Training for Our People 

Quality-first teaching lays the foundation for a child’s academic, social, and emotional development and achievement. Teachers and support staff play a crucial role in shaping pupils’ curiosity, creativity, and love for learning. To ensure that they can meet the diverse needs of children in our dynamic educational environment, continuous professional training is essential.

 

Weaver Trust Pathway is based on Weaver Trust’s Teaching and Learning Framework, and is designed to strengthen teachers’ pedagogical skills, classroom management strategies, and ability to integrate research and modern teaching methodologies. It also emphasises child-centred learning, inclusivity, and the effective use of teaching resources and technology – enabling teachers and support staff to understand the importance of targeted adaptations and pedagogical choice. By enhancing teachers’ professional competence, the training aims to improve outcomes, foster a supportive classroom environment, and equip staff with practical tools to inspire lifelong learning.

 

Special Educational Needs Training 

Every child has the right to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that meets their unique abilities and challenges. In Weaver Trust, we quickly identify our pupils who face learning difficulties, physical challenges, emotional or behavioural needs, or other barriers that affect their ability to learn effectively.

 

Special Educational Needs (SEN) training is designed to help SENDCos, teachers, school leaders, and support staff understand these diverse needs and respond to them in ways that promote inclusion, equity, and success for all learners.

 

Early Career Teachers

The early years of a teacher’s career are both exciting and challenging. As educators begin their professional journey at Weaver Trust, they encounter new responsibilities—from building positive classroom relationships to delivering effective lessons and supporting the holistic development of our pupils. Early Career Teachers (ECTs) require not only subject knowledge, but also confidence, resilience, and practical strategies to thrive in today’s classrooms.

 

This training program has been carefully designed to support Early Career Teachers as they transition from initial teacher training into full-time teaching. It provides guidance on lesson planning, classroom management, adaptations, and assessment, while also focusing on professional growth, well-being, and reflective practice. By equipping ECTs with the right skills and support, the program aims to build strong foundations for effective teaching, ensuring that new teachers feel empowered to inspire, engage, and nurture every child in their care.

 

Professional Qualifications 

Alongside in-house training and sharing of expertise, we offer our staff the opportunity to further develop through apprenticeships, Straight to Teach, NPQ qualifications and higher education programmes. Supported by the Trust, each Headteacher understands the aspirations of all of their staff and provides opportunities for continuous professional development through our appraisal process. 

 

Weaver Trust Career Pathway Booklet 25-26