CPD Training for Creative Primary Teachers
Why Poetry CPD Matters
Poetry is now a central part of the new literacy curriculum in England and Wales. It supports children’s reading, writing, vocabulary, and oracy skills, with a strong emphasis on learning and performing poetry. For teachers, this brings both opportunities and challenges: how do you make poetry engaging, accessible, and effective in the classroom?
That’s where my Poetry CPD training for primary schools comes in.
I offer inspiring and practical CPD sessions that empower teachers and teaching assistants with the skills, techniques, and confidence to use poetry not just in literacy, but across the whole curriculum in KS1 and KS2.
👉 In my Poetry Days in primary schools across the UK I work hard to get the children excited about writing and performing their own poems. I visit over 100 schools every year and I’d love to work with your children and teachers.
📅 You can book me for:
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In-person Poetry Days across the UK
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Online Poetry Workshops (affordable and flexible)
➡ Secure your date here: Poets in Schools – Ian Bland
Formats Available
My CPD training events are flexible and can be delivered in two ways:
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Twilight CPD (2 hours) – A practical, activity-based session after school, written especially for primary teachers and teaching assistants.
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Full INSET Day – A whole day of immersive training, packed with activities, strategies, and resources to embed poetry across your school.
Prices are available on request.
What Teachers Will Gain
During my CPD sessions, teachers will:
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Discover how to make poetry a powerful tool for improving literacy.
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Learn practical classroom activities that are fun, engaging, and curriculum-friendly.
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Explore ways to use performance poetry to build children’s confidence and teamwork.
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Gain fresh ideas for using poetry across different subjects and themes.
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Leave with ready-to-use strategies that can be applied immediately.
Example CPD Day Programme
A full Poetry INSET day typically includes:
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Morning – The importance of poetry in the curriculum and how it supports reading, writing, and oracy.
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Late Morning – Practical classroom activities: modelling, writing frames, and interactive poetry games.
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Afternoon – Creating a performance culture: using choral poetry, group performances, and individual readings to build confidence.
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Final Session – Sharing, reflection, and planning for how to embed poetry across your school.
About the Trainers
My CPD training is often delivered in partnership with literacy expert John Murray, alongside my role as a professional children’s poet. Together, we bring a unique mix of classroom experience, literacy expertise, and live performance skills.
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Ian Bland – Renowned children’s poet, performing in schools across the UK and Europe for over 20 years.
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John Murray – Literacy consultant and children’s writer, with a specialism in reading and comprehension strategies.
This partnership ensures a balance of creative inspiration and practical teaching strategies that teachers can implement immediately.
Why Schools Value Poetry CPD
Feedback from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many describe it as the best CPD they have ever had, highlighting:
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The sheer practicality of the ideas.
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The inspiration to bring poetry alive in the classroom.
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The direct impact on children’s writing, performance, and enthusiasm for literacy.
As one teacher put it:
“Packed full of practical and creative ideas for teaching poetry… I would definitely recommend this day to all primary school teachers.”
How to Book CPD Training
If your school is looking for fresh, creative and curriculum-focused CPD training for teachers, my Poetry CPD workshops are the perfect choice.
👉 To enquire about availability and prices, please email me at ianbland@ianbland.com.
I’d love to bring my Poetry Alchemy CPD training to your staff and help your whole school unlock the power of poetry.
