Purpose of CPM meetings

CPM meetings allow the department to meet the requirement to monitor policy and curriculum implementation.

CPM meetings:

• ensure the implementation of policy and curriculum in schools
• provide opportunities for professional dialogue and sharing amongst schools
• reinforce a culture which demonstrates quality internal assurance processes at all levels
• ensure that student learning and well-being remains at the centre of schools.

Selection of schools

The school selection process is aligned to external validation cohorts allowing a systemic process consistent with the diversity of NSW government schools. With the exception of specific school contexts (Distance Education and Residential Agricultural High Schools) that are a focus every four years as described in the Department’s Framework for Reporting.

Meetings usually involve two schools. In general, both schools share the same focus KLA and stage for the meeting.

Where possible schools are paired with a similar school from the same principal network. However, this is not always possible, and schools may be paired across networks. Schools with particular circumstances such as Distance Education, Residential Agricultural Boarding High Schools or Schools for Specific Purposes, are often paired with like schools outside of their principal network to allow for more targeted dialogue around context.

Schools selected for CPM meetings, which are held during Terms 2 and 3 each year, will be notified during Term 4 of the previous year and training will be provided during Term 1.

Focus areas

Meetings have a curriculum and policy component. The requirements which schools address are outlined within the CPM SPaRO module and the relevant Curriculum and Policy Requirement Guides. The Registration Process for the NSW Government Schooling System Manual provides the requirements for curriculum and policy implementation underpinning CPM.

Each CPM meeting will focus on a specific key learning area (KLA) and stage as well as a small number of policy implementation areas.

Generally, the department follows the pattern of focus areas identified in the Framework for NSW Department of Education reporting 5 year plan. The department or NESA may vary this schedule if additional areas are identified as risks or strategic priorities.

In 2026 the focus areas are:

Focus area A - B4 Curriculum Requirements

• HSIE and Technologies (7-12)

Focus area B - Policy Requirements

• B8.1 Safe and supportive environment - child protection
• B8.2 Safe and supportive environment - student welfare (students with disability and learning needs)

Evidence and discussion

Schools upload evidence into School Planning and Reporting Online (SPaRO).

There are specific guidelines for evidence selection including limiting the number of required documents, using documents from the current calendar year and ensuring that the documentation is drawn from the everyday operation of the school and not produced specifically for the meeting. These guidelines are articulated to participating schools during CPM training and are also available to all schools to view on the intranet.

Discussion during the meetings allows for schools to present their evidence in light of their school context. All members of the school team are able to contribute to the discussion regarding the planning and implementation of curriculum (teaching and learning at a whole school, stage and classroom level) and policy.

Nominating as a CPM facilitator

CPM meeting facilitators are drawn from existing principals, deputy principals, head teachers, assistant principals, assistant principal curriculum and instruction(ACPI), or staff with a leadership role in curriculum delivery, such as a stage or faculty leader, instructional leader or teacher mentor.

Non-School Based Teachers (NSBTs) are also encouraged to apply.

Nominations open in Term 4. Training for facilitators occurs during Term 1 of each year with applicants supporting meetings during Terms 2 and 3.

Find out more including how to self-nominate, on the  CPM meeting nominations webpage.