Training & Events

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.

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.

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. 

Addressing Bullying in Schools Leadership Training Programme 2025-26

Please note 2025-26 dates TBC booking will now become available in August 2025.

Title: Addressing Bullying in Schools Leadership Training Programme

A comprehensive professional development programme for Safeguarding, Social, Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing (SBEW) pastoral leads and SENCOs/Learning Support Coordinators in schools.

Programme Aim

For all pupils in the region to attend a school where staff are trained to implement a supportive Addressing Bullying in Schools policy with associated practices.

Purpose

To build the confidence and ability of school leaders to align and implement an evidence-based, whole school approach to support children and young people, address statutory requirements and embed best practice. Connecting legislation, baseline-assessment, research, systems/processes, preventative approaches, effective responses, stakeholder engagement and communication, and policy.

Programme Structure

Attendance at a 1-day face-to-face launch workshop (participants can choose from 3 different venues across the region and dates). Attendance of 5 online follow-up sessions (participants can select to attend either am or pm session which are offered on different days). Independent engagement with online resource materials shared through the SDS learning platform. Completion of associated tasks aligned to the review and update of school policy and associated practices.

Depending on your school size and structure, it is recommended that at least 2 members (max: 5) of the pastoral leadership team attend the training together.