School Improvement

Self-evaluation and Planning for Improvement - Making it Meaningful, Manageable and Impactful

The aim of this programme is to deepen your understanding of school development planning as a process, underpinned by the school’s strong guiding vision and purpose, informed by rigorous self-evaluation and educational research, devised in consultation with stakeholders and in compliance with DE policy.

Participants will attend 2 x ½ day face-to-face workshops facilitated by school improvement officers, in which they will be invited to explore themes relevant to self-evaluation and planning for improvement, considering how they can be applied in the context of their school.

The core themes covered in the workshops are designed around a series of questions as follows:

1. Rationale – asks why do we need a school development plan and what needs to be in one?

2. Self-evaluation – asks how do we develop a robust evidence-base of all aspects of school life, upon which to build a manageable, meaningful school development plan which positively impacts on our pupils and their outcomes?

3. Prioritisation – asks what are the challenges and opportunities we face and what are our emerging priorities over the next 3 years?

4. Planning for Improvement – asks what are the characteristics of effective planning for improvement?

Each workshop will provide opportunities for professional dialogue and the sharing of practice, approaches and resources that can be used by schools to enhance their existing self-evaluation and improvement planning processes and structures. These sessions are intended as a starting point for participants to consider exploring and developing one or more of the above themes in more detail, which they may wish to pursue with their designated School Improvement Professional. Participants will attend both sessions and take their thinking back to share with colleagues in their schools.

Leading School Improvement (After School) Locality East

Aims

The aim of this programme is to build capacity of senior and aspiring senior leaders to make a positive difference to learners in their school. The programme will seek to develop participants' knowledge and understanding in relation to the structures, systems and processes that lead to school improvement. It provides participants with an opportunity to develop their leadership attitudes, behaviours and skills which empower them to build effective teams and lead impactful change in the context of their organisation. As the programme is offered through the area learning community network, it also strengthens connections and collaboration between schools, which sustain ongoing improvement beyond the duration of the programme.

The programme consists of eight face-to-face sessions with an emphasis on high quality professional dialogue and learning in context. Sessions explore the following topics:

Planning for improvement Developing a vision for improvement Improving Self Improving Others Improving learning Improving teaching Securing accountability for improvement

An online information session for aspiring participants and their principals will be scheduled for September 2025, which will provide further details on the content of the programme. Each participant will also receive 1:1 mentoring from a member of the School Improvement Team to support them in their school improvement work throughout the first year.

Please Note: This course is for schools within Locality East only and will take place one Wednesday per month after school (Oct - June)  and can be accessed through the school's SIPP.

Transforming Classroom Practice – Using Evidence to Lead the Development of Learning and Teaching

Aims

The aim of this programme is to support the development of learning & teaching through a shared process of structured inquiry and professional reflection.

The programme will provide a facilitated opportunity to collaborate, learn and network with colleagues across the system. This approach is guided by Learning Leaders, the DE Strategy for Teacher Professional Learning (2016), putting teachers at the heart of their own professional learning journey. In this programme, all participants will be supported to identify their own inquiry question for professional development.

The programme will consist of four half day workshops:

Sessions 1 and 2

What does effective learning and teaching look like? What does the research tell us are “best bets”?

Session 3

 Exploring the potential of inquiry to develop classroom practice.

This session will be followed up with one to one support for participants as required to enable them to begin a cycle of inquiry.

Session 4

Evaluating the impact of inquiry on classroom practice and pupil learning. 

Participants will attend all sessions and will be supported to engage in inquiry-based practice between sessions. Each session will be supported by featured modules / inputs from practitioners. These sessions are intended as a starting point for participants to consider exploring and developing one or more of the above themes in more detail, which they may wish to pursue with their designated School Improvement Professional.

Please note: This programme is available to ALCs or individual schools and can be accessed through the school's SIPP or ALC Link Officer.

The Engine Room - Building the Capacity of Middle Leadership

Aims

The aim of this programme is to build capacity of middle leaders to lead school improvement, in order to develop high quality learning experiences and improve outcomes for pupils.

This programme consists of 3 x ½ day face-to-face sessions facilitated by officers in the Post-primary and Special School Improvement Team. It supports middle leaders to make a positive difference to learners by enhancing their leadership capacity.

Sessions provide opportunities for participants to engage in high quality professional dialogue with peers and apply what they learn to their leadership practice. Sessions will focus on the following key questions:

Session 1

What is my role and responsibility as a middle leader? How do I develop a compelling vision that motivates others? What does my leadership feel like to those I lead? How do I know how good we are as a team?

Session 2

How do I create a culture which fosters improvement within my team? How do I know what works? How do I plan effectively for improvement?

Session 3

How do I build an effective team? How do I manage resistance to change? How do I secure accountability?

These sessions are intended as a starting point for participants to consider exploring and developing one or more of the above themes in more detail, which they may wish to pursue with their designated School Improvement Professional. Participants will attend all sessions and will be supported to engage in inquiry-based practice between sessions.

Please note: This programme is available to ALCs or individual schools and can be accessed through the school's SIPP or ALC Link Officer.

Supporting High Quality Activity Based Learning in KS1

Aims

To support High Quality Activity Based Learning in KS1. To provide opportunities for self-reflection through the sharing of good practice from a range of case studies.

Programme Context

Examine and explore a range of strategies to build on the active play-based learning that has taken place in the Foundation Stage. Share a number of case studies demonstrating good practice to promote self-reflection and school improvement.

Learning in the Great Outdoors (KS1)

Aims

To promote high quality teaching and learning in the Great Outdoors. To provide opportunities for self-reflection through the sharing of good practice from a range of case studies.

Programme Content

Explore how to create engaging and enabling outdoor learning environments and experiences for Key Stage 1 pupils. Share a number of case studies demonstrating good practice to promote self-reflection and school improvement.

Enriching Teaching and Learning in the Nursery Setting Through the Use of ICT

Aims

To increase awareness of the ICT tools /platforms available to Nursery Practitioners To increase knowledge and understanding of progression and development in Digital Skills To provide opportunities for self-reflection through the sharing of good practice from case studies

Programme Content

This professional learning will lead to an increased understanding of the curriculum requirements surrounding ICT in the Nursery Setting. Practitioners will have an increased awareness of the CCEA Digital Skills in the Northern Ireland Curriculum and the ETI Empowering Improvement Framework Core Contributory Area of Digital Skills. It will showcase a range of tools/platforms which can be used to enhance teaching and learning within the Nursery setting. There will also be signposting towards professional learning opportunities to support staff skills development. A number of case studies demonstrating good practice within the area of ICT will be shared to promote self-reflection and school improvement.

Physical Development and Movement in the Nursery Setting

Aims

To increase knowledge and understanding of the curriculum requirements of Physical Development and Movement. To support the development of children's physical skills through indoor and outdoor play. To provide opportunities for self-reflection through the sharing of good practice from case studies.

Programme Content

This professional learning will lead to increased understanding of the curriculum requirements surrounding Physical Development and Movement in the Nursery Setting. Practitioners will gain an increased awareness of supporting pupils' physical skills development, leading to improved health and well-being and readiness for learning. Practitioners will be signposted to relevant research and resources to enable them to enhance provision. A number of case studies demonstrating good practice within the area of Physical Development and Movement will be shared to promote self-reflection and school improvement.

Developing the Teaching and Learning of Mathematical Word Problems

Aims

To identify possible challenges in the teaching and learning of mathematical word problems and how to overcome them. To explore a variety of approaches and strategies which support children to solve mathematical word problems. To provide a range of resources to support the teaching and learning of mathematical word problems.

Programme Content

This PL opportunity will be an online webinar which will build on ‘in person’ training provided on ‘Enriching Mathematical Reasoning and Problem Solving’ in-person professional learning in 2024/25. The webinar will be offered on three occasions during the August SD Days.

Using Manipulatives to develop Conceptual Understanding in Mathematics

Aims

To explore a range of physical and virtual manipulatives which support children in developing conceptual understanding in Mathematics. To consider a range of ideas for using manipulatives effectively to enhance children’s understanding and learning experiences.

Programme Content

This PL opportunity will be a full day ‘in person’ event offered on two days in each locality in different venues. Participants will engage in a wide variety of practical activities in using a range of manipulatives such as cuisenaire rods, pattern blocks, digit cards, counters, Numicon, dominoes, etc. to develop conceptual understanding based on current research. Opportunities to explore virtual manipulatives will also be provided.

Planning for Improvement - Session 2

Session 2- Prioritisation

Aims

To examine the challenges in selecting key priorities for the SDP. Explore the benefits of SMART targets and collaborative annual action plans. Sharing approaches to developing realistic and joined-up 3-year plans.

Structure / Content

During this workshop principals will be guided on how to make the most effective use stakeholders feedback gathered during the Engagement Stage. The focus of this workshop will be to provide advice and resources for principals to bring back to their schools to support selection of the main priorities for the SDP.   This will include developing 3-year strategic plans and costed action plans.

Developing Middle Leaders

Aims To strengthen the leadership capacity of middle leaders. To explore the core roles and responsibilities of middle leadership. To highlight the benefits of effective middle leadership collaboration.

Module 1: Values & Vision

Resource Content

Guidance on the key role values play in leadership. Advice on managing your strategic and operational vision- balancing long-term goals with day-to-day responsibilities. Practical ways to collaborate to support a shared vision, delegated leadership, encourage innovation, and strengthen team dynamics. Self-Evaluation Leadership Audits

Model 2: Effective & Collaborative Action Planning

Resource Content

Self-evaluation checklists, baselining, target setting and leadership audits, Guidance on supporting the School Development Plan’s priorities. Effective action planning guidance. Connected and collaborative action plans resources.

Module 3: What effective middle leader looks like in action

Resource Content

Planning guides, and frameworks to support strategic thinking and daily operations to manage your roles and responsibilities. Advice on collaboration strategies, building strong teams, facilitating dialogue, being a good role model and leading through influence. Ways to recognise and celebrate success. Leadership reading list, using evidenced informed practice. Introductions to digital tools & AI technologies. Please note: The programme will be facilitated via a dedicated Microsoft Teams site. This site will hold resources to support middle leaders in 3 modules, enabling flexible engagement through a collective or individual approach. The MS Teams site will be available in August 2025 and schools will be notified of how to access the site when it is available. 

Planning for Improvement - Session 2

Session 2- Prioritisation

Aims

To examine the challenges in selecting key priorities for the SDP. Explore the benefits of SMART targets and collaborative annual action plans. Sharing approaches to developing realistic and joined-up 3-year plans.

Structure / Content

During this workshop principals will be guided on how to make the most effective use stakeholders feedback gathered during the Engagement Stage. The focus of this workshop will be to provide advice and resources for principals to bring back to their schools to support selection of the main priorities for the SDP.   This will include developing 3-year strategic plans and costed action plans.

Planning for Improvement - Session 1

Session 1- Engagement

Aims

To deepen the understanding of the benefits of wide stakeholder engagement. Explore a menu of potential auditing tools. Examine a range of resources for schools to use as part of their SDP engagement process.

Structure / Content

This workshop will highlight the need and benefits of engaging all stakeholder in the school development process. Principals will be provided with a range of auditing tools, advice on their use and a possible timetable for implementation.

Planning for Improvement - Session 3

Session 3- Drafting and Sharing

Aims

To understand the regulations for drafting a School Development Plan (based on updated guidance from DE).  Understand that a concise and easy to read plan is best. Understand how drafting can be shared across the school. Understand the power of sharing and celebrating success.

Structure / Content

School principals will explore the SDP schedule (based on updated guidance from DE) and be given guidance on how to draft a concise, but meaningful document. The importance of sharing the SDP will also be stressed. The benefits of ongoing review and celebration of the SDP will be highlighted.

Planning for Improvement - Session 2 (Nursery)

Session 2- Prioritisation

Aims

To examine the challenges in selecting key priorities for the SDP. Explore the benefits of SMART targets and collaborative annual action plans. Sharing approaches to developing realistic and joined-up 3-year plans.

Structure / Content

During this workshop principals will be guided on how to make the most effective use stakeholders feedback gathered during the Engagement Stage. The focus of this workshop will be to provide advice and resources for principals to bring back to their schools to support selection of the main priorities for the SDP.   This will include developing 3-year strategic plans and costed action plans.

Planning for Improvement - Session 1 (Nursery)

Session 1- Engagement

Aims

To deepen the understanding of the benefits of wide stakeholder engagement. Explore a menu of potential auditing tools. Examine a range of resources for schools to use as part of their SDP engagement process.

Structure / Content

This workshop will highlight the need and benefits of engaging all stakeholder in the school development process. Principals will be provided with a range of auditing tools, advice on their use and a possible timetable for implementation.

Planning for Improvement - Session 3 (Nursery)

Session 3- Drafting and Sharing

Aims

To understand the regulations for drafting a School Development Plan (based on updated guidance from DE).  Understand that a concise and easy to read plan is best. Understand how drafting can be shared across the school. Understand the power of sharing and celebrating success.

Structure / Content

School principals will explore the SDP schedule (based on updated guidance from DE) and be given guidance on how to draft a concise, but meaningful document. The importance of sharing the SDP will also be stressed. The benefits of ongoing review and celebration of the SDP will be highlighted.