TKAT INSET Day

A Day of Learning, Collaboration, and Inspiration

On Monday 5 January 2025, over 120 teaching colleagues gathered for an exceptional trust-wide INSET Day that showcased the power of collaboration and professional growth. The morning began at the University of Reading, where staff enjoyed coffee and a warm welcome from CEO Hester Wooller before diving into two highly engaging sessions:

• Joining it all Together – Using Sonar to Support Curriculum Implementation led by Alex Powley, Director of Teaching, Learning and School Improvement. This session explored how Sonar can be used as a practical tool for curriculum implementation, aligning assessments, adapting teaching, and improving precision in pupil progress discussions. 
• The Fluent Reader Toolkit – Practical Strategies for Improving Reading Outcomes led by Gill Kelsall, Deputy Headteacher at Sonning CE Primary School delivered an interactive session packed with research-based strategies and classroom techniques to build confident, fluent readers.

After a productive morning, some colleagues stayed for the TKAT Career Pathway Induction, while school leaders, advanced improvement champions, and HR staff headed to Alder Grove for the afternoon programme. These sessions included:

• Advanced Improvement Champion Training – Developing evidence-based workshops and strengthening facilitation skills.
• HR Briefing with Helen Griffiths, HR Consultant at Browne Jacobson – Covering key topics such as restructuring, grievance processes, and probations as well as a legal update.

The day was not only about learning new strategies but also about connecting across schools. As one colleague reflected: “I really appreciate benefiting from the knowledge and good practice of colleagues from other schools. I think it makes a much richer experience and better training and learning.”

Another participant highlighted the value of being part of TKAT: “One of the best things about being part of a large trust is the wealth of talent and expertise within it. Today, we were fortunate to take part in an excellent training session focused on reading fluency and its vital role in the classroom. Thank you to Keys Academy Trust for continuing to invest in and educate staff, as well as the children we serve.”

A huge thank you to all facilitators and attendees for making this INSET Day such a success. Together, we are building stronger schools and unlocking the future for all.