Central online and face to face CPD 2026 to 2027
CPD webinars and face to face sessions delivered by the EMAS advisory teaching team
Coventry EMAS run a variety of online and face to face training sessions throughout the year on topics related to multilingual learners who use English as an additional language (EAL).
We aim for our sessions to be as engaging and interactive as possible. Like in person, delegates attending online will be requested to participate in tasks such as sharing ideas with colleagues and commenting on resources. To be able to fully participate in training sessions, please check that audio equipment such as a microphone and speaker are available on devices used and content can be navigated by scrolling or clicking and typing. A second screen or device such as a phone or tablet could be beneficial so that documents can be viewed throughout the session.
Please note that most courses cost £45 per delegate to attend, there are some courses that are free for all Coventry schools to attend and some that are free to only Coventry maintained primary schools - please refer to each CPD session below for cost. For those Coventry schools who have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with EMAS that is in credit, the cost of attending can be deducted from your SLA.
For schools and educational professionals from outside of Coventry that wish to attend any of the below CPD sessions the cost will be £45 per delegate. Before booking your place, please complete the New EMAS customer set-up form and then email us with your booking request. We will be unable to guarantee a place without the completed form and any links to join sessions will not be sent out unless the completed form has been received.
Before placing your booking please read our Further Information and Cancellation Policy.
To book on any of the below CPD sessions, please contact our admin team on admin.emas@coventry.gov.uk or the EMAS teacher team emasteachers@coventry.gov.uk with the name of the CPD, date and the name and email address of who will be attending and they will be included on the attendee list. Microsoft Teams links, where appropriate, will be sent out on the day of the CPD session.
EMAS Training Programme 2026 to 2027
| Course title and outline | Audience | Venue | Date/Time | Delivered by | ||||
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Bell Foundation: Leading a Whole School Strategy for EAL (See our Bell Foundation CPD outline for details) Cost £45 per delegate |
Senior Leaders, EAL Leads | Microsoft Teams |
Thursday 10 15:30 to 17:00 |
Amanda Millican Jeanna Weller |
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Including Newly Arrived Pupils: Planning and Support in the Classroom Newly Arrived pupils need time to settle at school, acquire basic English and learn how to fit in. This course will enable practitioners to build a whole school approach to welcoming new arrivals and gain an understanding of potential barriers to learning. We will explore how to plan for an inclusive environment and ensure key staff are confident and equipped with strategies to engage new arrivals from the outset! Cost £45 per delegate or fully funded for participants from maintained Coventry schools |
EAL Leads, Classroom Teachers, TAs | Microsoft Teams |
Tuesday 15 15:30 to 17:00 |
Jeanna Weller Marilena Richards |
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In Introduction to Schools of Sanctuary This session provides an overview of the Schools of Sanctuary initiative, exploring how schools can create a culture of welcome, understanding, and inclusion for those seeking sanctuary. Participants will learn about the principles that underpin a School of Sanctuary, the experiences of children and families seeking asylum, and practical ways to embed inclusive practices across the school community. The CPD aims to inspire and equip schools to begin their journey towards becoming a School of Sanctuary. Free for all Coventry School staff to attend |
Schools interested in applying for Schools of Sanctuary award | Microsoft Teams |
Thursday 17 September 16:00 to 17:00 |
Joanna Wigfield Marilena Richards |
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Developing an Induction Programme for Newly Arrived EAL Learners (Primary & Secondary) Newly arrived pupils may benefit from a time-limited induction programme when they start school. Support may be more effective if a structured programme is in place. This may cover key vocabulary and language structures to support survival language, language of the playground/canteen, language of maths/science as well as basic literacy skills. A good induction programme will help pupils settle and orientate in their new environments. This is an opportunity to share and hear best practice from colleagues to enable you to develop your own bespoke induction programmes. Cost £45 per delegate or fully funded for participants from maintained Coventry schools |
EAL Leads |
Microsoft Teams |
Tuesday 22 15:30 to 17:00 |
Marilena Richards Jeanna Weller |
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EAL Co-ordinators: Best Practice (Primary/Secondary) This session will equip you to co-ordinate EAL work in your school with a whole-school approach. It focuses on analysing your data, creating successful whole-school induction systems for newly arrived multilingual learners as well as assessment, target setting and tracking progress to raise the achievement of multilingual learners linked to school improvement. You will have the chance to hear from experienced colleagues on how to plan, prioritise and develop expertise in meeting the language and learning needs of bilingual children in your schools. Cost £45 per delegate |
EAL/Inclusion leads |
One Friargate Room 1.2 |
Wednesday 30 September 13:15 to 14:45 |
Joanna Wigfield | ||||
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Early Career Teachers: strategies and resources to support newly arrived and more advanced multilingual learners in the classroom - Part 1 In this first of two sessions, we will look at the background of Coventry’s multilingual learners and the differences between newly arrived and more advanced multilingual learners. We will examine how the teacher standards apply to multilingual learners on behaviour management and creating a positive learning environment amongst others and explore practical strategies and resources to help multilingual learners using EAL access the curriculum. Cost £45 per delegate or fully funded for participants from maintained Coventry schools |
Early Careers Teachers, |
One Friargate Room 1.1 |
Thursday 1 October 13:15 to 15:00 |
Marilena Richards | ||||
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Careers Information Session for Resettlement Pupils (Sidney Stringer Academy) This session is designed for Y11 students who are currently applying to sixth form or college and want to explore their Post 16 options further. It provides a valuable opportunity for students to discuss their future plans and speak directly with a range of Post 16 education providers. Attendees will receive up-to-date information to help them make confident, well-informed decisions about their next steps. Free for Coventry Y11 Resettlement Pupils, their parents, their school Careers Leads and EAL Co-ordinators |
Careers Leads, |
Sidney Stringer Secondary Academy |
TBA |
Marilena Richards Amanda Millican |
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Schools of Sanctuary: Network Meeting 1 A School of Sanctuary educates the whole school community about the experiences and realities of people who have been forced to flee to foster empathy and understanding. Join this session to share with colleagues your school’s journey to becoming a School of Sanctuary and how it is fostering a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary. Free for all Coventry School staff to attend |
EAL Cos, Senior Leaders | Edgewick Community Primary School |
Thursday 22 16:00 to 17:30 |
Joanna Wigfield Marilena Richards |
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Phase 1: Language Policy and Implementation Plan Workshop An introductory workshop for schools beginning their journey with the Coventry Language Policy. This session will support schools to understand the policy in practice and start drafting their implementation plan — a simple, factual overview of current language provision and processes. Schools will leave with a clearer sense of next steps and the tools needed to get started. We will be joined by Dr. Eowyn Crisfield from Oxford Collaborative for Multilingualism in Education (OCME) who will support us with this next stage. Free for all Coventry School staff to attend |
EAL Cos, Senior Leaders | Microsoft Teams |
Monday 2 November 15:30 to 17:00
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Eowyn Crisfield EMAS Teacher Team |
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Autumn half term |
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The Bell Foundation: Embedding EAL Assessment for Primary Colleagues (See our Bell Foundation CPD outline for details) Cost £45 per delegate |
EAL Leads in Primary Settings | Microsoft Teams |
Wednesday 4 15:30 to 17:00 |
Jeanna Weller Joanna Wigfield |
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The Bell Foundation: Embedding EAL Assessment for Secondary Colleagues Cost £45 per delegate |
EAL Leads in Secondary Settings | Microsoft Teams |
Thursday 5 15:30 to 17:00 |
Amanda Millican Marilena Richards |
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The Bell Foundation: Teaching Assistants: Working with Learners Using EAL (Primary) Cost £45 per delegate |
TAs in Primary Settings | Microsoft Teams |
Tuesday 10 13:00 to 15:00 |
Jeanna Weller Joanna Wigfield |
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The Bell Foundation: Teaching Assistants: Working with Learners Using EAL (Secondary) Cost £45 per delegate |
TAs in Secondary Settings | Microsoft Teams | Wednesday 11 November 13:00 to 15:00 |
Amanda Millican Marilena Richards |
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Speak up for Sanctuary Speak Up for Sanctuary is a new CPD designed to equip school staff and other practitioners with relevant resources and strategies to speak up for the rights of children seeking sanctuary’s rights and to build welcoming and compassionate communities. The CPD covers how to: counter hostile rhetoric, foster empathy and understanding across the school community, create inclusive practices that support children and families seeking sanctuary, engage with MPs and candidates and safely challenge misinformation. The CPD is perfect for staff involved in the Schools of Sanctuary accreditation journey, SLTs, classroom practitioners, awarded organisations or anyone else hoping to turn their compassion into action. Free for all Coventry school staff to attend |
All school staff supporting sanctuary seeking pupils |
Council House Diamond Room 5 |
Tuesday 17 13:15 to 15:00 |
Joanna Wigfield Marilena Richards |
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Effective Communication with New Communities for Admin and Reception (front of house) Staff It is important that our multilingual families feel welcomed and included in the school community. This course will cover some concrete and practical ways in which staff can support parents in the initial days. Collecting appropriate data, providing comprehensible information about the school, conducting initial meetings and highlighting the importance of home language will be just some of the areas covered in this session. Cost £45 per delegate |
Business Managers, Reception Staff | Microsoft Teams |
Tuesday 24 November 10:30 to 12:00 |
Amanda Millican Jeanna Weller |
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Autumn Term EAL Co-ordinators Network Meeting - Primary Free for Coventry EAL Co-ordinators to attend |
Primary EAL Co-ordinators | TBA |
Wednesday 25 November 16:00 to 17:30 |
Jeanna Weller Joanna Wigfield |
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Autumn Term EAL Co-ordinators Network Meeting - Secondary Free for Coventry EAL Co-ordinators to attend |
Secondary EAL Co-ordinators |
TBA |
Thursday 26 16:00 to 17:30 |
Amanda Millican Marilena Richards |
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Working with Multilingual Learners in EYFS Effective practice can ensure that bilingual and multilingual learners in our Early Years Settings progress well in all areas of learning. This session will cover areas such as building positive relationships with parents of multilingual learners, the importance of home language, creating a multicultural and welcoming classroom environment, planning for development of language and tracking progress of English proficiency. Cost £45 per delegate or fully funded for participants from maintained Coventry schools |
Early Years Leads and Practitioners | Microsoft Teams |
Wednesday 2 15:30 to 17:00 |
Joanna Wigfield Jeanna Weller |
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Post 16 choices for Year 11 Pupils This session is for Y11 students who are in the process of applying for a place in college, sixth form or apprenticeship. The session offers information on different colleges, apprenticeships and sixth forms and provides support with the application process. The session offers advice on how to write an application form or how to answer more complex questions as part of the process. This session is a great chance to ask questions and feel more confident about next steps. Free for Coventry Y11 resettlement pupils and their parents |
Year 11 pupils and their parents on Resettlement Schemes |
One Friargate Room 1.2 |
Wednesday 9 16:00 to 17:30 |
Marilena Richards Joanna Wigfield |
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| Course title and outline | Audience | Venue | Date | Delivered By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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The Bell Foundation: Introduction to Assessment for Primary Practitioners (See our Bell Foundation CPD outline for details) Cost £45 per delegate |
Primary EAL Leads, Primary Classroom Teachers, Primary TAs |
Microsoft Teams |
Wednesday 6 13:30 to 15:00 |
Jeanna Weller Joanna Wigfield |
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The Bell Foundation: Introduction to Assessment for Secondary Practitioners (See our Bell Foundation CPD outline for details) Cost £45 per delegate |
Secondary EAL Leads, Secondary Classroom Teachers, Secondary TAs |
Microsoft Teams |
Thursday 7 13:30 to 15:00 |
Amanda Millican Marilena Richards |
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Supporting Multilingual Learners in Maths In this session, we shall explore ways to make the maths lesson accessible for EAL learners at all levels of English proficiency. We will look at a range of strategies such as models and images, reasoning, and problem-solving skills and planning for language and promoting talk to develop fluency. We will also consider the use of first language for concept development and differences in the way maths operates/is taught around the world. Cost £45 per delegate |
Maths Leads, EAL Leads, Classroom Practitioners |
Microsoft Teams |
Tuesday 12 January 15:30 to 17:00 |
Joanna Wigfield Amanda Millican |
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The Importance of Supporting Home Language Qualifications at GCSE Join our information session to share your experience of entering newly arrived and more advanced multilingual learners using EAL for their community language GCSE qualifications. This is a recognised way of celebrating bilingualism and extending career pathways, particularly for late arrivals in KS4. Colleagues will be talking through the process of selecting, preparing, and entering learners who use EAL for their community language GCSEs and the benefits and challenges that may arise. We hope that you can come along to join in discussions. Together with The Languages Hub-Sidney Stringer Secondary Academy. Free for all Coventry secondary school staff attend |
Exam Officers Community School Teachers Secondary EAL Cos |
Microsoft Teams |
Wednesday 13 January 15:30 to 17:00 |
Marilena Richards Stephanie Azarpey |
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Phase 1: Language Policy and Implementation Plan Workshop (repeated) An introductory workshop for schools beginning their journey with the Coventry Language Policy. This session will support schools to understand the policy in practice and start drafting their implementation plan — a simple, factual overview of current language provision and processes. Schools will leave with a clearer sense of next steps and the tools needed to get started. We will be joined by Dr. Eowyn Crisfield from Oxford Collaborative for Multilingualism in Education (OCME) who will support us with this next stage. (n.b This is a repeated session for those who couldn’t attend on 2 November) Free for all Coventry School staff to attend |
EAL Cos, Senior Leaders | Microsoft Teams |
Tuesday 26 January 15:30 to 17:00 |
Eowyn Crisfield EMAS Teacher Team |
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The Bell Foundation: Adaptive Teaching for Learners using EAL for Primary colleagues Cost £45 per delegate |
Primary Classroom Practitioners, |
Microsoft Teams
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Tuesday 26 January 13:00 to 15:00 |
Jeanna Weller Joanna Wigfield |
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The Bell Foundation: Adaptive Teaching for Learners using EAL for Secondary colleagues Cost £45 per delegate |
Secondary Classroom Practitioners, |
Microsoft teams |
Wednesday 27 January 13:00 to 15:00 |
Amanda Millican Marilena Richards |
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Phase 2: Language Policy: Self-Evaluation and Action Planning Workshop A follow-on workshop for schools that have begun or completed their implementation plan. This session will support schools to use the self-evaluation toolkit to reflect on current practice, identify priorities, and begin shaping an action plan. The focus is on helping schools turn the language policy into practical, developmental next steps. Free for all Coventry School staff to attend |
EAL Cos, Senior Leaders | Microsoft Teams |
Thursday 28 January 15:30 to 17:00 |
Eowyn Crisfield EMAS Teacher Team |
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English as an Additional Language and Special Educational Needs When a multilingual learner using English as an additional language makes slow progress in school, it can be difficult to establish whether the delay is caused because they are not confident using the language of the school or because they have additional learning needs independent of the language barrier. Similarly, language differences may mask the potential and ability of gifted or more able learners. Join us to discover more about the process of distinguishing whether a multilingual learner may have additional language or learning needs. Cost £45 per delegate |
Classroom Teachers, SEND and EAL Cos | Microsoft Teams |
Thursday 4 February 15:30 to 17:00 |
Amanda Millican Jeanna Weller |
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Early Career Teachers: strategies and resources to support newly arrived and more advanced multilingual learners in the classroom - Part 2 In this second session we will continue to explore the Teachers’ Standards and how these apply for multilingual learners in relation to planning for English language development, assessment and tracking progress of multilingual learners and then using scaffolds in the classroom to support speaking and writing development. Cost £45 per delegate or fully funded for participants from maintained Coventry schools |
Early Careers Teachers and Early Career Teacher Leads |
One Friargate Room 1.1 |
Tuesday 9 February 13:15 to 15:00 |
Marilena Richards |
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Spring half term |
- | - |
- |
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Phase 2: language Policy: Self-Evaluation and Action Planning Workshop (repeated) A follow-on workshop for schools that have begun or completed their implementation plan. This session will support schools to use the self-evaluation toolkit to reflect on current practice, identify priorities, and begin shaping an action plan. The focus is on helping schools turn the language policy into practical, developmental next steps. (n.b This is a repeated session for those who couldn’t attend on January 28) Free for all Coventry School staff to attend |
EAL Cos, Senior Leaders | Microsoft Teams |
Thursday 23 February 15:30 to 17:00 |
Eowyn Crisfield EMAS Teacher Team |
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The Bell Foundation: Comprehensible English for New Arrivals using EAL (Primary) Cost £45 per delegate |
Primary Classroom Practitioners, Primary EAL/SEND Leads | Microsoft Teams |
Wednesday 24 February 13:30 to 15:00 |
Jeanna Weller Joanna Wigfield |
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The Bell Foundation: Comprehensible English for New Arrivals using EAL (Secondary) Cost £45 per delegate |
Secondary Classroom Practitioners, Secondary EAL/SEND Leads | Microsoft Teams |
Thursday 25 February 13:30 to 15:00 |
Amanda Millican Marilena Richards |
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Schools of Sanctuary: Network Meeting 2 A School of Sanctuary educates the whole school community about the experiences and realities of people who have been forced to flee to foster empathy and understanding. Join this session to share with colleagues your school’s journey to becoming a School of Sanctuary and how it is fostering a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary. Free for all Coventry School staff to attend |
EAL Cos, Senior Leaders | TBA |
Tuesday 2 March 16:00 to 17:30 |
Joanna Wigfield Marilena Richards |
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Spring Term EAL Co-ordinators Network Meeting - Primary Free for Coventry EAL Co-ordinators to attend |
Primary EAL Cos | TBA |
Tuesday 16 March 16:00 to 17:30 |
Joanna Wigfield Jeanna Weller |
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Spring Term EAL Co-ordinators Network Meeting - Secondary Free for Coventry EAL Co-ordinators to attend |
Secondary EAL Cos | TBA |
Wednesday 17 March 16:00 to 17:30 |
Amanda Millican Marilena Richards |
| Course title and outline | Audience | Venue | Date | Delivered By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Refugee Week: Planning and Inspiration Refugee week takes place every year across the world in the week around World Refugee Day on the 20 June. This year, Refugee Week is 14th to 20th June 2027. In the UK, Refugee Week is a nationwide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK and encourages a better understanding between communities. During this session, you will have the opportunity to learn more about what Refugee Week entails, receive Refugee Week teaching and learning materials and listen to colleagues across the city talk about their past celebrations and future plans. This should inform you in planning your own Refugee Week celebration in your school or setting to raise awareness of the journeys made and experiences encountered by refugees and asylum seekers. Free for all Coventry School staff to attend |
All Staff | Microsoft Teams |
Thursday 15 April 15:30 to 17:00 |
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Summer half term |
- | - | - | |
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Schools of Sanctuary: Network Meeting 3 A School of Sanctuary educates the whole school community about the experiences and realities of people who have been forced to flee to foster empathy and understanding. Join this session to share with colleagues your school’s journey to becoming a School of Sanctuary and how it is fostering a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary. Free for all Coventry School staff to attend |
EAL Cos, Senior Leaders |
TBA |
Tuesday 18 May Time: TBA |
Marilena Richards Joanna Wigfield |
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Healing Classrooms Using guidance and materials from the International Rescue Committee this half-day session aims to give an introduction to trauma-informed teaching and inform school staff on how to help resettle children, who are refugees in the UK. The session is split into 3 workshops: Preparing a Safe Place to Land; Building a Community for Learning; and Fostering Academic Success. Discover tools and strategies to help refugees heal and learn. Cost £45 per delegate or fully funded for participants from maintained Coventry schools |
EAL Leads, SLT, Inclusion Leads, Classroom Teachers |
One Friargate Room 1.2 |
Wednesday 16 June 9:00 to 12:30 |
Marilena Richards Jeanna Weller |
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Summer Term EAL Co-ordinators Network Meeting - Primary & Secondary Free for Coventry EAL Co-ordinators to attend |
EAL Cos | Microsoft Teams |
Thursday 1 |
Marilena Richards Joanna Wigfield |
EMAS - general enquiries
Address: Coventry City CouncilPO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL