Happy Wednesday!

• MITA (Cohort 2): Complete and return RAG Self-assessment tool to WELL@Cumberland.gov.uk by Thursday 4th December.
• MITA (Cohort 2): Book places for TAs on 6th January 2026 INSET Day Training by emailing names and email addresses to WELL@Cumberland.gov.uk. 

The latest from the WELL Team:

John Sanderson: Interim Director

Many of you met John Sanderson, Interim WELL Project Director, at last week’s Implementing WELL Workshop 3. Here’s a little more about John:

John began his teaching career in 1994 after completing his PGCE at King’s College London. He taught Religion and Philosophy while earning an MA in School Leadership, later progressing through roles including Head of RE, Head of Humanities, Assistant Head, and Deputy Head. In 2012, John became Principal of Chipping Campden School, leading the academy for over a decade and training as an Ofsted Inspector.

During his time as Principal, John developed a school improvement network through Challenge Partners, supporting peer-to-peer quality assurance and leadership development. Since 2023, he has focused on coaching school leaders, conducting curriculum and quality assurance reviews, and supporting headteacher appraisals. He also works with alternative provision schools to improve outcomes for young people who struggle in mainstream settings.

John would like to thank all leaders and teachers who gave their time and an opportunity last week to share valuable insights into the project.

Deep Dive into Evidence with Simon Cox: KS2/3 Mathematics

For those who worked with Simon Cox at the Implementing WELL Workshop 3, here’s a quick reminder of where to access his webinar recordings:

'Deep Dive into Evidence' – a series with Simon Cox exploring the EEF’s Improving Mathematics in Key Stages 2 and 3 guidance report.

Recordings of Session 1 and Session 2 are now available for all WELL schools: HERE.

Simon will deliver a 'follow-up webinar' on Monday 20th January 2026, 15:30–17:00, Online. To receive the link, please email WELL@Cumberland.gov.uk.

Implementing WELL: Workshop 3

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last week’s Implementing WELL Workshop 3 with Jonathan Sharples and Jon Eaton. We hope you found the session insightful and that the collaborative learning community groups provided useful support.

All element core components and implementation strategies resources, workshop slides and the recording are available on the Implementing WELL Padlet.

We’re also offering an optional online support session with Jonathan and Jon on Tuesday, 16th December, 15:30–16:30 via the link below:

Join the meeting now

This is a great opportunity to revisit key ideas and ask any questions you may have.

We look forward to seeing you again in the new year for Workshop 4, taking place Thursday 29th or Friday 30th January, 09:30–12:30. These sessions will be delivered entirely online.

What's new from ERA?

Message from Sue and Patty

'Thank you to all the schools involved in the Disadvantaged Provision Project who have submitted their draft Pupil premium strategy statement.

We have reviewed and given feedback to over 30 schools across both cohorts.

There are some excellent examples of local good practice which we look forward to sharing more widely within the WELL community. It is rewarding to see the work we are doing with Marc Rowland having a positive impact for our disadvantaged pupils.'

Sue and Patty

EEF: Revised Metacognition Guidance Report

This updated EEF Metacognition Guidance Report focuses on practical strategies for developing metacognitive skills and promoting self-regulation in both Primary and Secondary schools.

It explores how metacognition and self-regulated learning can be applied in real classroom settings and provides actionable approaches teachers can use to help pupils build these essential skills.

Read the revised EEF Metacognition Guidance Report: HERE.

Transfer of Grant Funding 

Thank you to the schools that have signed and returned the Cumbrian Award Grant Offer Letters - funding will be transferred to your schools this week.

If you haven’t yet returned your letter, please read, sign, and email it to WELL@cumberland.gov.uk by Friday 19th December to confirm acceptance.

Cohort 2: Day 2 Training

Thank you to all SLT members who joined us for MITA Day 2 training on 20th November.
An email was sent on 25th November with login details to access the pre-recorded Teacher, TA, and Parent webinars—please check your inbox if you haven’t already.

After the January INSET Day session, Sally welcomes you to share any MITA-focused implementation plans for review and support.

Reminder: Thank you to everyone who has submitted their completed RAG self-assessment tool. If you haven’t yet sent yours, please email it to WELL@cumberland.gov.uk by Thursday, 4th December.

INSET Day: TA Training

Spaces are now very limited for the Spring Term INSET Day Teaching Assistants Training with Sally, taking place on Tuesday, 6th January, 09:30–15:00 at Energus, Lillyhall.

If you would like your school to attend (MITA Cohort 2 Schools only), please email WELL@cumberland.gov.uk with the names and email addresses of colleagues attending by Thursday 11th December.

Community of Practice Meetings

Wednesday 3rd / Thursday 4th December

We’re looking forward to welcoming all SLT members and English Leads involved in this programme to the face-to-face Community of Practice meeting over the next two days with Stella Jones and Jenny Ogden from Town End Research School – Wednesday 3rd or Thursday 4th December.

Preparation for the session

• Please bring a device that can access Google Drive, specifically the Module 1 Community of Practice (CoP) folder.
• The venue has limited power outlets, so ensure your device is fully charged before arrival.
• Be ready to share and discuss your current transcription offer during the meeting.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the programme - we’re excited for two highly productive and collaborative sessions.

Annual Events Planner & Implementing WELL Padlet 2025/26

All 2025/26 WELL Events and training sessions are detailed in the WELL Annual Events Planner.

Events with the 'green dot' are bookable via SLA Online/ School Development Team.

For all other events, please email WELL@Cumberland.gov.uk directly to express an interest.

The Implementing WELL Padlet includes all  presentation slides, recordings and resources to support participation in the Implementing WELL project.

Please do not share these resources more widely than your school.