MCPA maakt deel uit van Greater Manchester Academies Trust

At Manchester Communication Primary Academy, professional development is the engine that drives improvement across teaching, learning, and leadership. Our approach is deliberately designed, evidence-informed, and rooted in the belief that every adult can continually improve their practice to positively impact pupil outcomes. 

 

Our Core Philosophy

Our professional development model is underpinned by four principles:

• Purpose-Driven (WHY): Every element of PD is explicitly linked to improving pupil learning, grounded in the best available evidence.

• Evidence-Informed (THEORY): We draw on research from cognitive science, the EEF, and best practice to ensure staff understand how learning happens.

• Deliberate Practice (PRACTICE): Staff are given structured opportunities to rehearse, refine, and embed key techniques.

• Sustained Change (REFLECTION): We prioritise follow-up, feedback, and iteration to ensure changes in practice are embedded over time.

​

This is not a one-off training model. It is a continuous cycle of improvement.

​

​

​

 

MCPA is proud to be a Steplab Hub School, placing us at the forefront of evidence-informed professional development.

Through Steplab, we deliver:

• Instructional coaching for all staff (teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff)

• Bespoke action steps tailored to individual development needs

• Regular drop-ins and feedback, focused on small, high-impact improvements

• A culture of openness, where feedback is normalised and valued

​

Our coaching model is:

• Responsive – grounded in real classroom practice

• Granular – focused on specific, actionable improvements

• Sustained – ensuring changes are embedded over time

​

This approach ensures that professional development is not generic, but precisely targeted and impact.

​

We see ourselves as one professional learning community. This means:

• High expectations for all staff

• Collective responsibility for improvement

• Consistent use of shared language and teaching principles

• A belief that better never stops

​

​

Professional development extends beyond teachers. Teaching assistants, administrative staff, and leaders all engage in structured development aligned to their roles, ensuring a coherent and unified approach across the school.

​

​

​

 

We actively welcome school leaders, teachers, and organisations to visit MCPA and see our professional development model in action. Visitors can observe:

• Live instructional coaching

• Teaching and Practice Labs

• Consistent, high-quality classroom practice

• A culture where professional learning is embedded in daily practice

​

​

To book a visit, please use the link below:

https://hubs.steplab.co/events?_gl=1*1l5y84h*_gcl_au*NjA1MTEwNzY4LjE3NzY2NzMxODQ.*_ga*MTMzNjAzNzQ5Ni4xNzU5MTYxNTgw*_ga_4ZJGL6C6NE*czE3NzY4NDg3NDYkbzM2NSRnMSR0MTc3Njg1MDQ0NSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.

​

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact: Mr E Hahn