We believe that the better we develop our staff, the better we can support our pupils; so we invest heavily in staff training. We provide opportunities for employees to develop from the moment they join us, and throughout their career at Maypole.

Whether somebody wants to become exceptional within their current role, develop specialist skills, lead a class, work towards becoming a qualified teacher, or work towards a senior management appointment, we want to help our staff identify and work towards their next step. 

Induction Training

Every new member of staff completes a comprehensive induction, designed to help them understand both Maypole and the individual pupils they will be supporting.

This includes mandatory safeguarding and other training, how the school works, and e-learning; and there is also time to read the relevant school policies, and time to understand the individual Support Plans for the relevant pupils. The training also includes PRICE training on understanding pupils' behaviour, and on the prevention and de-escalation of challenging behaviour, as explained in more detail below. 

Continuation Training / Continuous Professional Development

Induction training is only the starting point. Staff continue to develop their knowledge through ongoing training and support as they become established within their role. This takes place throughout the school year.

Alongside INSET days and mandatory continuation training, we provide 30 minutes of dedicated staff training every Monday, enabling us to continually strengthen practice and respond to the changing needs of our pupils.

Training includes aspects such as safeguarding, ASD, ADHD, PDA, attachment difficulties, therapeutic approaches, understanding and managing challenging behaviour, how to file incident reports, and specialist SEN practice. In addition, where a pupil has a particular need or difficulty, then additional training will be provided in the relevant areas, often covering the likes of demand avoidance, sensory needs, epilepsy, childhood trauma, attachment difficulties and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia; to name but a few.  

Our therapy team also works with staff, helping them understand specialist therapy strategies and, importantly, how these should be integrated into everyday classroom practice.

Developing Behaviour Management Skills

Supporting behaviour effectively requires much more than knowing how to respond when a situation becomes challenging.

Our approach develops staff's understanding of why behaviour occurs, what a pupil's behaviour may be communicating,  and how our own practice and environment can support regulation and reduce difficulties.

Staff receive PRICE training on behaviour management, which is values-led, and which includes trauma-informed and Positive Behaviour Support approaches, how to prevent and de-escalate challenging behaviour, how to reduce restrictive practice, and the need for reflective practice following an incident. 

In the process of this training we will identify staff who demonstrate particular potential in supporting and managing behaviour, and provide further development opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and practice.

Level 3 Award in Education and Training

For Teaching Assistants who want to develop their teaching knowledge and skills, Maypole offers the Level 3 Award in Education and Training.

The programme provides staff with an externally recognised qualification, while developing skills that will support the individual's progression within the School.

During the last year, 25 Maypole School staff have successfully completed their Level 3 qualification, and we plan to run two cohorts each year, with up to 12 candidates in each cohort. The course is funded by Maypole, and there is no cost to the employee. 

To be accepted onto the course, Staff need to meet the programme's eligibility and commitment requirements, including having at least a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths (or working towards them). Staff must also be prepared to participate in weekly learning and complete coursework, outside their normal working hours. 

Class Leader Development Programme

Our Class Leader Development Programme is for both Unqualified Teachers, and for Teaching Assistants who have the potential to take greater responsibility within the classroom.

Delivered by each school’s management team, the programme explores the Foundations of Teaching and Learning, Classroom Management and Positive Discipline, Instructional Design and Assessment, Technology and Digital Literacy, Communication and Professional Relationships, Professional Growth and Reflection, and Feedback. 

The focus is not simply on gaining knowledge. Staff are also supported to apply what they learn within their own classroom practice, and become increasingly confident and effective class leaders.

Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training

For staff who are ready to progress further, Maypole also delivers the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.

This is predominantly aimed at our Unqualified Teachers and Class Leaders, and represents a significant professional and academic commitment.

Our first cohort of 10 candidates is currently approaching completion, and we intend to offer up to 10 places each academic year.

Candidates must meet defined eligibility requirements, including previous teaching qualifications or experience, a minimum period of service at Maypole School, and sufficient teaching practice. The programme includes extensive classroom practice alongside degree-level academic study. 

Staff undertaking Level 5 or higher programmes are also allocated mentorship, providing professional support alongside their formal studies. 

A Route Towards Qualified Teacher Status

For employees whose ambition is to become a qualified teacher, Maypole also supports an Assessment Only pathway to Qualified Teacher Status. 

This is available to selected, appropriately experienced staff who meet the required eligibility criteria, and have demonstrated consistently strong teaching practice.

Our internal criteria include an appropriate degree-level qualification, the required GCSEs, relevant subject knowledge and substantial teaching experience, including experience at Maypole. Candidates must also have proven their ability to meet the Teachers' Standards. 

The pathway also requires experience within a mainstream school setting. 

Where an employee meets the qualifying criteria and is selected for this route, Maypole will contribute 25% towards the cost of the Assessment Only QTS programme, subject to an agreed return-of-service commitment.

Costs and Commitment

Most of our development programmes and qualifications are fully funded by Maypole, and there is no cost to the employee; while Maypole may provide some financial support for the more advanced pathways. We are proud that what we offer is, as far as we are aware, more comprehensive and more generous than any other comparable school that we know of.

We expect commitment in return. Our programmes require staff to maintain high professional standards, invest their own time, engage fully with learning, and apply what they learn to their practice. 

For those who want to develop, we want Maypole to be a setting where you will not only love your work, but where you can build knowledge, gain qualifications, accelerate your progression, and open up genuine career options within specialist education.

"It’s been a joy working at Maypole. Way more educative than my previous job."

^{Anonymous comment, Staff Survey, Maypole School (Sunbury), March 2026}

"Thoroughly enjoying it. Feel more supported by SLT than I have in any of my other schools. Feel part of a strong team here."

^{Anonymous comment, Staff Survey, Maypole School (Leigham Court), March 2026}

"Working at Maypole School has been a really positive experience compared to my previous roles. The environment feels more supportive and rewarding, and I have found a greater sense of purpose in my day-to-day work. What truly makes the difference, though, is the children, their energy, progress, and personalities make every day enjoyable and remind me why I love the job."

^{Anonymous comment, Staff Survey, Maypole School (Leigham Court), March 2026}

"I can see myself working at Maypole indefinitely."

^{Anonymous comment, Staff Survey, Maypole School (Sunbury), March 2026}

"Absolutely AMAZING! I've worked in companies that do not care about their staff at all. At Maypole I feel like there is a culture of care, consistently, throughout. Grace is always given and there is a consistent effort to try and accommodate people."

^{Teaching Assistant, Maypole School (Leigham Court), Mar 2025}

"I really enjoy the opportunity to help others and work with like-minded people."

^{Staff Survey, Maypole School (Leigham Court), Mar 2025}

"Maypole has kept every word they said when discussing my development / expectations, prior to me taking on the role. You can tell every staff member is here for the right reasons, and wants the best for each student."

^{Teacher, April 2024}