A senior regional education leader has praised the University of Worcester’s support for teachers at every stage of their careers, describing it as a vital hub of learning for educators across the region.
Left to right: Joanne Smith, Head of the Department of Education & Inclusion in the University of Worcester’s Institute of Education, Parminder Singh Garcha, Dr Rachael Paige, Head of the Institute of Education at the University of Worcester, and University of Worcester Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green
Parminder Singh Garcha, the Deputy Director of the West Midlands Region group at the Department for Education visited the University to deliver the keynote speech at the Institute of Education’s conference focussed on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and celebrating book publications from colleagues in the Institute.
He said: “You’ve created an environment here that is really conducive to the learning experience for educators. It feels like a hub, a centre of learning for teachers. In a time when there is such a push for everything to go digital, having this physical space, and the way the University has prioritised it, is really important. It signals to those entering the profession, and to those already in it, that they’re valued.”
He added that universities had a leading role in delivering on the aspirations for schools and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education set out in the Government’s recent white paper, both in their academic and civic role.
The CPD event was a chance for school leaders to discover how the University could contribute to the professional development of their staff and support their school’s growth, alongside opportunities for schools to take part in research and knowledge exchange with the University. It also featured taster workshops on the use of artificial intelligence, trauma-informed practice, and supporting early career teachers.
“I think universities have a leadership role in terms of bringing people together because they’re respected and trusted institutions,” said Mr Garcha. “That exchange of knowledge, new ideas, new approaches, which is all backed by evidence and research, is really powerful in terms of us being able to deliver the ambitions in the white paper.”
He praised the University’s CPD programme and highlighted its work on apprenticeships and apprenticeship pathways for support staff and teaching assistants, providing diverse routes into the profession.
“That ongoing professional development in CPD as teachers refine their craft I think is essential,” said Mr Garcha. “As technology moves on, as pedagogy moves on, and we have research as well within the University to inform that practice, I think that’s where the University really adds value in terms of the research-informed approaches.”
Dr Rachael Paige, Head of the Institute of Education, said: “We are delighted to bring together colleagues from a wide range of education settings to explore how we can share knowledge, insight and practice to further strengthen our collective work. Supporting children, young people and their families is a shared endeavour, and this event has created a valuable space to reflect on how we can continue to achieve that together.
“Mr Garcha’s encouragement to stay connected, and to keep learning from and with one another, resonated strongly with everyone in attendance.”