Principles

• This statement applies to all levels in the school and setting
  
• Leaders are dedicated to ensuring the highest possible standards and achievement in all areas
  of the school's work
  
• They are reflective, self-critical and innovative
  
• They are principled with a clearly articulated vision for the school and setting
  
• Leaders need strategic thinking and planning for improvement
  
• Leaders must articulate a coherent and compelling sense of justice and urgency
• They need to convey a sense of realistic optimism and confidence
• They are not complacent, but aim to improve further
• Leaders are able to oversee the effective integration of ICT into all aspects of school improvement, creating the conditions for raising attainment and improving teaching and learning
• An effective mentoring programme will ensure leadership development at all levels
• Leaders need to increase awareness of signs of abuse and neglect, including child protection procedures

Standards: What will it look like

Courage and conviction:

• Leaders will challenge the status quo inside the school, proposing and instigating action for change
  
• They will articulate a coherent and compelling sense of justice and urgency
  
• They will communicate their sense of moral purpose to inspire others with their convictions and by example.

Enduring resilience:

• Leaders will take action to channel emotions productively – seeking space or support, changing the circumstances, communicating needs
  
• Although ambitious and hardworking, leaders will have realistic expectations of what is humanly
  possible for themselves and others.
  
• They will remain calm under pressure, knowing how to relieve their tension appropriately

Community engagement:

• Leaders will actively champion the school, using all possible channels to gain the support needed and build a positive profile


• They will identify different community groups, engaging with and articulating their concerns and aspirations
• They will develop contacts and networks, participating in broader forums to gain insight and promote the school' perspective



Open and connected leadership:

• Leaders will provide clear and consistent expectations and establish ground rules for relationships
  
• They will seek and listen to the views of others, and are able to put themselves in the other person' position
  
• They will act as a coach rather than an assessor, encouraging all to take responsibility for their own improvement and development.

Standards: What will it look like:

Focused vision and simplcity Focused vision and simplicity:

• Leaders will develop a shared vision of what the school will look like in five to ten years
  
• They will blend their own priorities with externally imposed targets to create coherency
  
• They will be specific about desired outcomes, breaking down the strategic vision into concrete and practical plans and actions Consistency and accountability:
  
• Leaders will monitor the quality and consistency of teaching and learning throughout the school
• They will celebrate success and progress
  
• They will reinforce success so that staff, pupils and parents can see the link between their contribution and the school' direction
  
• They will hold all accountable for high standards of performance
  
  Taken from A Model for School Leadership in Challenging Urban Environments