Improving Teaching and Learning Through Purposeful Observation

With the right intent and approach, observations of practice can unlock meaningful improvements in teaching and learning practice.

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.

This webinar takes place on Thursday 30 April (1.30pm-4pm)

You’ll leave this workshop with an understanding of:

• 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.

Who is this Webinar for?

Line managers of practitioners, quality assurance and improvement professionals, anyone completing observations of practice.

Facilitators and speakers

The session will be led by Lou Doyle is a Director and Co-Founder of SDN Mesma Group, bringing over 25 years' experience in strategy, change leadership, quality improvement & governance. Alongside her co-founders, she leads the Group's growth plans, with a focus on client relationships, place-based partnerships, and ensuring technology solutions are embedded in our service offer. She is a longstanding Chair for academies, a college governor, and board advisor. She is a recipient of the Department for Education Apprenticeship & Training Awards Skills Champion Award.

SDN Mesma Group are leading experts in apprenticeships, quality assurance and provide online software, tools and in-depth support for providers across the country. We have supported over 2,000 providers and 11,500 staff to adapt and improve the delivery of technical education and assessment.

Why an SDN Mesma Group webinar?

SDN Mesma Group’s CPD is drawn from its work with over 2,000 FE & skills providers and 11,500 staff – giving you a unique insights into practices that can drive the quality of your provision. Our sessions are also intensely practical – equipping you with the knowledge and resources to act and make improvements in your role and organisation.

Price and payment

To keep costs down, payment for the webinar series must be made online via credit card (book below). If you are a Local Authority, and unable to book via card, please email us on: events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk

Terms and conditions

The Terms and Conditions (including our refund policy) for SDN events and webinars can be found here. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)

Any questions, please email the SDN events team: events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk