Why work for us / Professional Learning
Professional Learning
Members of staff benefit from the far-reaching work of the Trust-wide team and strategic network groups. These groups work collaboratively across the Trust to ensure the best practice is shared and that strategies for effectively reducing workload are explored and implemented. Colleagues from all academies form the membership of these groups, and new members of staff are encouraged to become active participants once they have settled into their new roles.
- CPD Opportunities: Access to training courses, leadership development programs, and qualifications.
- Study Support: Funding or time off for further education or professional certifications.
- Mentoring Programs: Opportunities for career progression and peer learning.
- Apprenticeship Programmes: Teaching and non teaching opportunities
One of the strengths of FMAT is the quality of our central Education Team. Their job is to help their colleagues (hopefully you!) become the best practitioners they can be.
Led by the Trust’s Head of Quality and Improvement, we have highly effective experts supporting and advising FMAT colleagues at all levels, from Initial Teacher Training students to the Chief Executive Officer.
We have staff leading on cross-trust work on Professional Learning; Special Educational Needs and Disabilities; English and Literacy; and Mathematics.
All are highly qualified, experienced and have a positive, developmental impact on the colleagues they help.
Their philosophy is that all colleagues are part of the same team with the same goal – to enrich the lives and transform the futures of the students in our care.
Rebecca Richardson-Power
Trust SEND Lead
“ I work with our schools to ensure that students with SEND receive the tailored support they require to thrive.
My role involves collaborating with colleagues to develop and implement effective strategies, leading to improved outcomes for over 700 students with additional needs.
‘By providing guidance, training, and oversight, I help schools refine their systems and practices, ensuring compliance and excellence in SEND provision.
What I love most about my job is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of students and their families while supporting colleagues to create inclusive, high-performing educational environments.”
Deborah Bunn
Trust Teaching Practice, Professional Learning and ECT Lead
“The aspect of my role I find particularly rewarding is working with colleagues to improve their pedagogical practice, particularly with ECTs and new entrants to our organisation.
Writing and delivering training is an aspect of my role that motivates me. I enjoy using evidence to implement strategy that will have long term benefits for our students.
“I particularly enjoy supporting leaders of personal development to consider their values led delivery of enrichment which provides our students with opportunities beyond the academic curriculum.
I am an affiliative leader and enjoy working with people to develop practice across our organisation. I am invested in system leadership and believe in collaboration as a means of improvement.”
Michelle Rabicano
Trust Improvement Advisor English and Literacy
“I am the Academy Improvement Advisor for English and Literacy, so I work with leaders and teachers across the Trust to improve outcomes for in English and to develop and implement literacy strategies within the academies.
Since I started, I have made a significant impact on improving the reading ages of the weakest readers across all of the academies by refining the testing and intervention strategies. ≈
What I like about my job is the variety and being able to facilitate change.”
Natalie Thompson
Academy Improvement Advisor Mathematics and Numeracy
“As part of my role as Maths Improvement Advisor I spend much of my time coaching staff from Apprentice teachers all the way to subject leaders.
I work closely with staff to ensure that students in our care get the best possible experiences in school.
The role also allows me to contribute to the strategic directions of maths teams as well as the Trust as a whole. Working with staff for extended periods of time has seen improvements in teaching quality and, consequently, an improvement in student outcomes.
“As part of my role as Maths Improvement Advisor I spend much of my time coaching staff from Apprentice teachers all the way to subject leaders.
Benefits and Offer
- Pension Contributions: Enhanced pension schemes such as the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) or Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Discount Schemes: Access to staff discount platforms for retail, travel, and dining.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: flexible hours, or job-sharing options.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Green car schemes, cycle-to-work programs, and technology purchases.
- Recognition and Incentives: Recognition awards
- Financial Planning Support: Webinars and Resources via EAP
- Technology Discounts: Discounted Electronics and Technology through salary sacrfice
- Additional Leave Entitlements: Paid leave for Religious Observations, moving house, exam leave or sabbaticals.
- Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Time Off for Volunteering: Allowing staff to take days off to volunteer and engage in community service.
- Travel Assistance: free onsite parking, Green Car scheme and Cycle to Work
- Free or Discounted Meals: In-school catering benefits for staff.
- Housing Assistance: Support with relocation costs.
- Priority Admission: at the Academy of choice
- Awards and Celebrations: Recognition for long service, and dedication to FMAT
- Trust Events: Annual All Staff conference including Key Note speakers
- Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms: To understand staff needs and address concerns effectively.
Wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Access to counselling, financial advice.
- Wellness Initiatives: Virtual fitness classes, and discounted gym memberships.
- Mental Health Support: Access to mental health first aiders.
