LEARNING WALKS How we can share good practice and learn from one another.

Why have a learning walk? A learning walk can have many different purposes: To monitor or audit practice throughout the school by providing a snapshot of provision. To share good practice and promote consistency by different stakeholders walking the school. To check for implementation e.g. a learning walk to focus on how reading is taught throughout the school. To provide quality time for reflection and to stimulate professional discussion.

How do you organise a learning walk? Decide on a focus and the method of recording: - pre-set criteria using a checklist - general observations Is prior reading/briefing required for those undertaking the walk? - knowledge of the National Literacy Framework - knowledge of best practice for teaching oracy/reading/writing Decide on a timetable Share the purpose/timetable with the staff team

Pre-walk decisions publish a timetable for your walk allow time for feedback amongst the walkers decide upon the process for giving feedback to staff decide how the learning walk will be written up

Who might participate in the learning walk? Staff Pupils Parents Governors Other professionals

Agree the rules of the walk It may be helpful to agree some guidelines : The lesson must not be disrupted by action or comment (including chatting, interrupting or being a distraction). If the learners are working independently or in groups, agree whether you are going to ask questions or just observe. Confidentiality and safeguarding expectations must be made clear (especially to external participants).

What might be the outcomes? Written report highlighting strengths and areas for development. Identification of good practice and a plan on how to extend that across the school. A change of policy, practice or routines. Further information required to gain a more detailed picture.

Some further reading: donmallee/lt-litlearningwalks.pdf