LLT Secondary INSET Day: Communication & Collaboration

Colleagues from across Lydiate Learning Trust came together for the 2026 Secondary INSET Day, focused on a shared priority: Communication and Collaboration.

The programme was designed to support practical, high-impact professional development. Sessions explored effective communication, embedding formative assessment, National Association for Special Educational Needs Autism CPDL, neurodiversity in the workplace, and time management, with a clear emphasis on strategies that translate directly into classroom practice and day-to-day working relationships.

Subject teachers from Childwall Sports and Science Academy and Deyes High School discussed curriculum development and shared best practice, strengthening alignment across departments and ensuring greater consistency in teaching and learning across the Trust.

The keynote was delivered by Nicky Perfect, former hostage negotiator, who explored communication in high-pressure environments. Drawing on real-world experience, she demonstrated the value of clarity, active listening, emotional intelligence, and disciplined decision-making, showing how these skills strengthen leadership, teamwork, and teaching.

Nicky explained: “Negotiation is about listening as much as speaking. When we communicate with clarity and empathy, we build trust, resolve challenges effectively, and create stronger teams – whether in a crisis or the classroom.”

Ann Stahler, CEO of Lydiate Learning Trust, said: “Today’s focus is clear: engage, learn, and grow as one team. We are stronger when we listen and smarter when we share. Effective communication starts with understanding that we each see the world differently, and using that insight to connect better with one another.”

Staff feedback on the event was positive.

Mr. Rietdyk said “The negotiation session brought communication and collaboration to life. It was engaging and packed with strategies we can apply immediately in our teams and classrooms.”

Mrs. Roberts reflected “The emphasis on neurodiversity and time management was useful. It aligned teams across schools and gave us a shared language for improvement.”

The Secondary INSET Day reinforced LLT’s commitment to purposeful professional learning, clear communication and consistent practice across the Trust.

Primary INSET Day will take place on Monday 13th April at Vortex House.