A self-evaluating school



Adele Kerr, the Principal in Enniskillen Integrated Primary School and Nursery Unit, talks about the value of a phased self- evaluation in preparation for School Development Planning.



Key Messages

  • Plan self-evaluation for the coming year during the final year of your School Development Plan.

  • Space the self-evaluation out over the year with its completion in June/July in preparation for August.

  • A 3-year School Development Plan allows for work to be prioritised as the need arises.

  • Detailed Action Plans are in place for staff in August so the school year commences with clear targets.

  • The 3-year overview is a working document that can be written on and used to gather evidence in a busy school day – RAG colour is used at the end of each year to illustrate our school development.








Adele's Tips

  1. In Term 1 of the self- evaluation the focus is on what is statutory – consultation with pupils, parents and staff, anti-bullying. This allows time for collating opinions and analysis of returns and both consultations involve the pupil voice

  2. In Term 2 the focus is on RSE Consultation with parents and staff and the self-evaluation document with the Board of Governors. This allows time for SLT to prepare for x 2 SDD days in Term 3

  3. In Term 3 the focus is on staff questionnaires and SDD Days when the ISEF document is used by all staff leading to a 3-year plan of school priorities under ESAGS. During Term 3 pupil data is gathered and analysed through GL Testing Programme. Staff also self-evaluate using their own professional judgement and The Excellence in Integration Framework to self-evaluate our ethos

  4. The yearly priorities have detailed Action Plans and although not all areas require an Action Plan, (e.g. maintenance of the school building) all are included in the 3-year overview




To Recap


  1. How is your school currently doing your evaluation?

  2. Who is responsible for for it?

  3. What documents does it link closely with?