School development plans (SDP) are a strategic plan for improvement. 'Every School a Good School – A Policy for School Improvement' emphasises that school improvement is first and foremost the responsibility of the school. It is based on the premise that schools themselves are best placed to identify areas for improvement and to implement changes that can bring about better outcomes for pupils.
SDPs help to lead sustained, self-improvement and is therefore at the core of the school. Each year's plan is based on an effective self-evaluation form of the previous academic year, and the actions then flow on to the next year's priorities to deliver improved educational outcomes and experiences for all pupils. Self-evaluation must be an integral part of the school development planning process with the resulting actions and targets captured in School Development Plans (SDPs).
