Unit A617/9460: Undertake, promote and support continuing Professional Development
Discuss your preferred methods of assessment with your Development Coach
DISCUSSION CRITERIA
The following questions can all be covered in one discussion which will be recorded and uploaded as evidence. Read through these questions and the PowerPoint to explore Gibbs and Schon`s models of reflection.
1.1 Explain the principles of continuing professional development
1.2 Evaluate models of reflective practice and explain the importance of reflective practice.
1.3 Analyse potential barriers to continuing professional development and to overcome them
1.4 Analyse different sources and systems of support used for professional development
1.5 Describe the importance of prioritising goals and targets
1.6 Explain factors that may affect how you prioritise.
4.1 Describe how people learn using the different learning styles
4.2 Explain how you can develop a learning culture across the team
4.3 Assess and reflect on your own learning style
PRODUCT EVIDENCE
The following criteria can be covered with your own appraisal, if it is detailed, includes reflection and feedback from manager, is signed and dated, then please upload. If you are due an appraisal these criteria can also be observed in your appraisal meeting. For 4.3 and 4.4 please complete the Learning Style Q with your supervisee’s and complete the development plan for these staff. https://www.mint-hr.com/mumford/
2.1 Evaluate own knowledge and performance against standards and benchmarks
2.2 Use reflective practice and feedback from others to improve your performance
2.3 Prioritise development goals and targets to meet expected standards in your sector
2.4 Evaluate how practice has been improved through reflection on best practice and reflection on failures and mistakes
3.1 Identify learning opportunities to meet development objectives
3.2 Produce a Professional Development plan with SMART targets for professional development, include appropriate sources of support
3.3 Establish a process to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the plan
3.4 Provide evidence of implementation and evaluation of the plan
4.4 Support others to assess their learning style and produce a professional development plan
4.5 Support team members in academic research and evidence-based data to inform their practice
What This Unit A617/9460: Undertake, promote and support continuing Professional Development All About?
This unit is focused on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – which means the ongoing process of learning and improving your skills after you have qualified or started working. The aim is to help professionals take responsibility for their own growth, keep their knowledge up to date, and support others in doing the same.
Why CPD Matters
- Workplaces, laws, and technology are always changing. CPD makes sure people stay competent and confident in their role.
- It helps individuals meet professional standards and keeps organisations more effective.
- CPD also improves career prospects because it shows commitment to self-development.
What You Learn in This Unit
- Planning Your Own Development
- Identifying skills you already have.
- Spotting gaps or areas for improvement.
- Setting realistic goals for growth.
- Taking Action
- Using training, workshops, mentoring, or self-study.
- Applying new knowledge at work.
- Reviewing progress regularly.
- Promoting CPD for Others
- Encouraging colleagues to take part in learning.
- Sharing resources, best practice, and guidance.
- Helping to build a workplace culture where learning is valued.
- Recording and Reflecting
- Keeping evidence of CPD activities.
- Reflecting on how new skills improve performance.
- Updating plans to make CPD continuous and practical.
Skills You Develop
- Self-management – taking responsibility for your learning.
- Communication – discussing development needs with managers or colleagues.
- Leadership – promoting CPD within teams.
- Reflection – learning from experiences and applying lessons.
How It Links to Work
By the end of the unit, learners are able to:
- Create and follow a clear personal development plan.
- Show evidence of learning in different ways (courses, reading, mentoring).
- Support others in their professional development journey.
- Contribute to a workplace culture that values continuous learning.
Sample Answer of Unit A617/9460: Undertake, promote and support continuing Professional Development Assignment
1.1 Explain the principles of continuing professional development
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is based on the idea that learning does not stop once formal qualifications are achieved. It means updating knowledge, learning new skills, and reflecting on practice to provide the best service. The main principles are:
- Lifelong learning – CPD is ongoing and should be part of everyday work.
- Planned and purposeful – CPD should link to personal goals, workplace needs, and career growth.
- Reflective – learning should be reviewed so that it can be applied in practice.
- Accountable – professionals are responsible for their own development, but organisations should also provide support.
- Improvement-focused – the purpose is to raise standards, improve outcomes for children and families, and promote confidence in the sector.
1.2 Evaluate models of reflective practice and explain the importance of reflective practice.
Two common models of reflection are:
- Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle (1988): This model takes practitioners through six stages – description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan. It encourages step-by-step thinking about experiences, which is helpful when learning from mistakes or successes.
- Schön’s Reflection in Action and Reflection on Action (1983): This model looks at reflection while doing something (in action) and after it has happened (on action). It helps practitioners adapt in the moment and improve future practice.
Importance of reflection: Reflective practice ensures that learning is not just theory but directly linked to real experiences. It encourages honesty, professional growth, and the ability to adapt practice to meet children’s and families’ needs.
1.3 Analyse potential barriers to continuing professional development and to overcome them
Some common barriers include:
- Time pressures – staff often feel there is not enough time for training.
- Cost – courses or resources can be expensive