IPPN recognises the ambition of schools and school leaders to provide the highest standard of education and to meet the needs of all children. We also recognise the reality in which schools are operating and the deficits in allocations, resourcing and leadership capacity that compromise special education provision.
In Leading for Impact: Strategic Plan 2026-2030, the identification, development and promotion of tools that enhance leadership practice is set out as a strategic action. It is in this context that we have developed a Guide to the Leadership of Special Education in Mainstream Primary Schools, to complement our previously published Guide to the Leadership of Teaching and Learning.
In each section of the guide, context is provided and account is taken of the relevant, current policy documents, and areas for consideration are offered for all who have responsibility for leadership and management in the school:
- Culture & Environment
- Curriculum (Teaching & Learning)
- Relationships & Partnerships
- Policy & Planning
In the appendices, you’ll find useful resources to support this work:
- School Culture Temperature Check
- One-Page Profile (OPP) Template
- Programme/Intervention Implementation Template
- Links to Publications referenced in the Guide
To be clear, this Guide is not offered as a ‘To-do List’, nor do we claim it to be definitive. We merely hope that schools will use it as a support to reflect upon and to inform the practice of leadership of special education in their particular context.
