Training & Events

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.

IMAGINE Autism Acceptance Month Peer Training April 2026

IMAGINE – Understanding Autism in School is a video and accompanying resource designed to support pupils in developing a better understanding of Autism and to promote acceptance, empathy and inclusion within the school community.

After watching the IMAGINE video, the booklet contains a range of structured activities that encourage pupils to reflect on what they have learned and explore Autism in more depth. The tasks are designed to help pupils think about how Autistic people may experience the world, challenge common myths, and consider ways to create a more supportive and inclusive school environment.

The activities can be used flexibly depending on the needs and abilities of your class. Some tasks are designed for individual reflection, while others work well as paired or group discussions. Teachers may choose to lead certain sections as a class discussion, or allow pupils to record their ideas independently in the booklet.

The overall aim of this resource is to:

Increase pupils’ understanding of Autism Challenge misconceptions and stereotypes Encourage empathy and respect for differences Promote acceptance and inclusion within school communities

This resource is particularly suitable for use during Autism Acceptance Month, PSHE lessons, tutor time, or assemblies, but it can also be used at any point in the school year to support inclusive education.

By engaging with these activities, pupils will be encouraged to imagine what school might feel like from different perspectives and think about how small changes in attitudes and actions can help make school a place where everyone feels understood, respected and included.