A School Development and Improvement Plan (SDIP) sets out your school's priorities and how you will act on them. For each priority, record the action, the person responsible, the resources, the review date and the evidence of progress. This article covers what a good SDIP does and how to use one through the year.

What an SDIP Does

1. Sets Clear Objectives

An SDIP helps schools:

  • Identify key areas for improvement.
  • Outline specific actions needed to achieve these goals.
  • Keep focus throughout the academic year.

2. Makes Accountability Clear

A strong SDIP defines:

  • Who is responsible for each goal.
  • Timelines for progress.
  • How success will be measured.

When these are written down, staff, governors and leaders can work towards the same objectives.

Further reading on leadership and accountability: Headteacher Performance Management Toolkit

3. Directs Resources to Priorities

Budgets are tight, so funding should follow the priorities in the plan. An SDIP helps prioritise:

  • Investment in staff training and development.
  • Curriculum improvements based on identified gaps.
  • Targeted support for pupil groups needing additional intervention.

Review budget allocations regularly, adjust spending as needs change, and look for alternative funding sources where necessary.

Further reading on school budgeting and strategic planning: School Development and Improvement Plan

How to Use an SDIP Effectively

1. Involve Staff, Governors, Parents and Pupils

Draw on:

  • Teachers and support staff – insights on day-to-day school operations.
  • Governors – strategic oversight and guidance.
  • Parents and pupils – feedback on experiences and expectations.

Once the plan is agreed, keep communication open between staff and leadership, give governors regular updates, and align staff professional development with SDIP priorities.

Further reading on leadership collaboration: Creating a Culture of Kindness; First 100 Days of Headship: Insights

2. Set SMART Goals

Make every SDIP objective:

  • Specific – clearly defined outcomes.
  • Measurable – indicators for success.
  • Achievable – realistic targets.
  • Relevant – aligned with school priorities.
  • Time-bound – defined timelines.

Further reading on goal-setting: Time Management Strategies for School Leaders

3. Monitor Progress

Track progress through:

  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
  • Pupil progress data and lesson observations.
  • Surveys from staff, pupils and parents.

Further reading on monitoring and evaluation: School Leadership Monitoring Toolkit

4. Review Termly and Adjust

Review the plan termly. Adjust it in light of your monitoring data and of changes such as new policies and frameworks (for example Ofsted's latest updates), shifts in pupil needs and community expectations, and new teaching methods.

Further reading on leading change: Overcoming Leadership Challenges

5. Recognise Achievements

  • Highlight small wins throughout the year.
  • Recognise staff contributions to improvement.
  • Share successes with parents, governors and the wider community.

Additional Resources for School Leaders

Updated: 12/03/25