With the right intent and approach, observations of practice can unlock meaningful improvements in teaching and learning.
Observations undertaken without a clear purpose rarely lead to meaningful development and can even hinder professional growth, particularly when the stated intention does not align with the experience in practice.
When grounded in trust, clarity and purposeful design, Observations become a powerful catalyst for professional dialogue, reflection and sustained development.
This session explores how observations supported by coaching can shift practice from performance assurance to genuinely strengthening teaching quality
In addition, we’ll focus on addressing key Ofsted priorities across FE and Skills, including sharper use of starting points, stronger adaptive practice, better feedback, and impactful CPD.
Focusing on high quality pedagogy, the session shows how developmental observation can pinpoint strengths, close gaps, and deliver meaningful improvements for learners.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- How to use purposeful, coaching‑led observations to drive genuine professional growth rather than compliance
- Practical ways to address Ofsted priorities, including starting points, feedback, adaptive practice, and pedagogical consistency
- How to identify precise strengths and development needs that meaningfully shape CPD and improve teaching quality
- How developmental observation can translate into tangible improvements in learner experience and outcomes.
You will receive a diagnostic tool that will establish a baseline for developmental observations, an action plan for growth, and an attendance certificate as evidence of your personal development.
About your session
The session is led by Lou Doyle, Director and Co-Founder of SDN Mesma Group, with over 25 years’ experience in strategy, change leadership, quality improvement & governance. SDN Mesma Group are leading experts in apprenticeships and quality assurance, supporting over 2,000 providers and 11,500 staff to adapt and improve the delivery of technical education and assessment.
Who’s it for?
Line managers of practitioners, quality assurance and improvement professionals, anyone completing observations of practice
“Thank you… you are making such a difference to the sector!”
– Barbara Van der Eecken, Bvde Quality Solutions Ltd
“The webinar was excellent as usual – Lou is very knowledgeable and engages the audience really well … always insightful and helpful especially as I am very much managing this ‘on my own’!”
“Very insightful that left me with actionable steps to take afterwards.”
“Excellent session – shared really useful information and guidance could have watched all day”
– Quality event attendees
Booking and payment:
We recommend attending this webinar live, but you can be sent the recording and materials if you prefer to review them in your own time.
If you have several staff who would benefit, let us know and we’ll send you details of the most cost-effective way of accessing the session.
If you’re a public sector body (e.g. Local Authority), and unable to book via card, please email us. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)
SDN CPD is designed for Government funded Training Providers. If you’re not a Government funded Training Provider but are still interested in attending please email events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk to discuss your attendance in more detail before booking.
Workshop
- Live workshop
- Recording of the session
- Workshop slide deck
- Diagnostic tool to establish a baseline for developmental observations
- Action plan
- Attendance certificate
Date: 30th April (1.30-4pm)
Cost: £135.00 (+VAT)
In-house delivery
If you have a group of individuals interested, we can host a bespoke version for your organisation and tailor the content to you.
Please get in contact, and we can chat through your requirements and timescales:
T: 07415 414877