Teaching School
Merton Special Teaching Alliance
We were designated as a Teaching School in March 2012. Together with Perseid School we form the Merton Special School Alliance.
Our vision is to ensure the most successful outcomes for pupils with special and/or additional educational needs through a shared moral purpose and the development of outstanding practice across the alliance.
The Merton Special Teaching Alliance serves local schools by offering:
Initial Teacher Training
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The Alliance offers teaching practice placements for PGCE and BA QTS student teachers, specialist option tuition for PGCE students and a successful School Direct Programme.
Continuous Professional Development
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We have developed a comprehensive programme of courses and conferences to enhance teaching and learning.
School to School Support
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The Alliance provides expert school to school support for member schools and for schools outside the Alliance.
Leadership Development
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Leadership programmes and opportunities run by the Alliance enable experienced teachers to develop their leadership skills.
Research & Development
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Merton Special Teaching Alliance carries out practitioner enquiry and research in order to enhance teaching and learning for learners with a wide range of SEND.
In order to achieve our vision we will:
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Foster a culture of openness honesty and trust within and beyond the alliance.
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Demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for students with SEN / AEN through high quality teaching and learning.
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Direct activities to impact on standards and ensure that school-based CPD impacts on classroom practice and the progress of students.
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Embrace our collective role in meeting needs across the local area.
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Evaluate our practice to ensure national key performance indicators are met within our local context.
Our working practices are:
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Solution focussed and outcomes driven.
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Committed to providing opportunities for schools to contribute and receive where opportunities can, in effect, become cost neutral.
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Committed to providing sustainable staffing structures so that the main strategic partners can find resources to invest in this work.
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Committed to a sustainable model whereby the TSA can continue to function independently of any funding streams made available.

