Staff Professional Development Policy

1. Introduction

Richmond Online School is committed to the continuous professional development (CPD) of all staff, tutors, and educators. We believe that investing in our team is essential to delivering the highest standard of online education. This policy outlines our approach to professional development, training, and performance review.

2. Aims of Professional Development

Our professional development programme aims to:

• Ensure all staff are skilled, confident, and effective in their roles.
• Keep staff up to date with developments in online education, pedagogy, and curriculum changes.
• Support career progression and personal growth for all team members.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding awareness and practice.
• Foster a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.

3. Induction and Onboarding

All new staff at Richmond Online School undergo a comprehensive induction programme that covers:

• School policies, values, and expectations.
• Safeguarding and child protection training.
• Training on the school's online learning platforms and tools.
• Introduction to the Cambridge International curriculum and assessment framework.
• Mentorship from an experienced member of staff during the initial period.

4. Ongoing Training

Richmond Online School provides regular training opportunities for all staff, including:

• Termly professional development sessions covering pedagogy, technology, and curriculum updates.
• Annual safeguarding refresher training for all staff and tutors.
• Access to external CPD courses, webinars, and conferences relevant to their subject area.
• Collaborative planning sessions and peer observation to share best practice.

5. Performance Review

All staff participate in an annual performance review process. This includes:

• A self-assessment of performance against agreed objectives.
• Feedback from students, parents, and colleagues where appropriate.
• A review meeting with a line manager to discuss achievements, areas for development, and future goals.
• Agreement on a professional development plan for the year ahead.

6. Contact Us

If you have any questions about professional development at Richmond Online School, please contact us at info@richmondonlineschool.com.