Accessibility Links

School improvement planning framework (SIPF)

The school improvement planning framework (SIPF) is a suite of tools and techniques designed to help schools take their planning, strategic thinking and implementation to the next level. This approach to school improvement planning aims to raise standards of attainment and promote pupil well-being.

More than 200 schools were directly involved in developing this approach to school improvement planning. Drawing on the TDA's experience in supporting schools to manage change and the expertise of the National College in leadership development, the framework has been refined and improved by incorporating the learning of many of the thousands of schools already using it.

The school improvement planning framework sets out a planning process in three stages: prepare and engage; identify objectives, and; ensure successful outcomes. Within the stages, individual modules focus on specific aspects of school improvement with tools underpinning each.

Some schools work their way through each stage and module, while others pick and choose the tools that best match their needs. The framework is flexible and can be used to enhance existing improvement activities at any stage of the planning cycle.

Module overview: A framework for continuous improvement (PDF, 169KB)

Prepare and engage

  • Create a planning process based on a shared vision of where you are now, what you want to accomplish and a clear idea of how the framework can help.

Download the tools (PDF, 874KB)

Identify objectives

  • Inside the classroom: set objectives for improving teaching and learning that consider standards of achievement and pupil well-being.

Download the tools (PDF, 755KB)

  • Learning potential: reach a common understanding of the factors that affect pupils' learning potential and identify ways to help all pupils achieve to the best of their ability.
  • Beyond the classroom: identify ways to improve the well-being of all pupils in the school and community through out of school provision.

Download the tools (PDF, 558KB)

Ensure successful outcomes

  • Personalise: assess the needs of targeted pupils or cohorts in order to develop personalised interventions and demonstrate their impact.
  • Develop and prioritise solutions: generate and prioritise solutions that will help meet school improvement objectives and define indicators of success.

Download the tools (PDF, 676KB)

  • Plan delivery and evaluation: create a practical and achievable plan for implementing and evaluating the agreed school improvement objectives.

Download the tools (PDF, 521KB)

Schools across the country have been using the school improvement planning framework in a variety of ways, reflecting their diverse circumstances and priorities.

Case studies

Examples of outputs from schools and local authorities using the tools:

Taskbar

My CPD

Welcome to ‘My CPD’. Save time and access in one place, tools to develop your professional career, enhance your teaching quality and impact in the classroom.

CPD Database

Visit the CPD Database to search for relevant quality assured CPD opportunities, including those that are free or specific to your role.

CPD Zone
Teacher Development Hub

Visit the Teacher Development Hub to access evidence based research and resources to raise performance in the classroom.

TD Hub
CPD Guidance

Want to know how to get the best out of yourself and others? Access our resources to understand what good CPD looks like, how to evaluate its impact and how to write a CPD policy.