Research School Network: Literacy Leadership Toolkit – From theory to day-to-day leadership practice East Midlands Universal RISE Literacy Offer

Stepping into a literacy leadership role requires more than understanding theory or completing qualifications — it requires practical tools, confident decision-making, and the ability to lead change in complex school environments.

The Literacy Leadership Toolkit is designed to support new and aspiring literacy leaders by turning evidence, research, and professional learning into usable, day-to-day leadership practice.

Many literacy leaders tell us they:

1. Understand what the research says, but struggle to apply it in their own context.

2. Feel confident about literacy pedagogy, but less confident about leading change.

3. Want support diagnosing issues rather than jumping straight to initiatives.

4. Need practical structures to help staff engage, implement, and sustain improvement.

This programme directly addresses those challenges.

It complements NPQs and other leadership programmes by focusing on the practical toolkit literacy leaders need to make theory, case studies, networks, and research work in their settings.

Participants gain access to:
1. Curated links to the most up-to-date national and regional literacy research, guidance, and resources

2. Practical tools for diagnosing literacy issues before acting

3. Implementation and evaluation frameworks drawn from EEF guidance

4.Leadership tools to support staff, coaching, mentoring, and CPD design

5. A single integrated workbook that brings all thinking, planning, and reflection together

This is not a one-off course or a set of slides — it is a working leadership toolkit you can return to throughout your role.

The programme is structured into four linked modules, each supported by video input, guided reading, and reflective activities:

Module 1 – From Self to Team
Understanding your leadership behaviours, communication style, and how teams respond to change.

Module 2 – Knowing Your School
Building an accurate picture of literacy through diagnosis, monitoring, and evidence-informed inquiry.

Module 3 – Building Expertise and Leading Others
Engaging critically with research, networks, and evidence — and turning personal expertise into shared staff practice.

Module 4 – From Strategy to Sustained Impact
Planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating literacy improvement using proven implementation frameworks.

Across modules, participants work with tools such as COM‑B, Skill – Will, Five Whys, implementation planning, and evaluation models.

This programme is ideal for:
New or recently appointed literacy leads
English or reading leads
Middle and senior leaders with responsibility for literacy or teaching and learning
Leaders preparing to take on a literacy leadership role

Suitable for primary, secondary, and all-through schools.

Self-paced and flexible to fit around school commitments
One integrated workbook used across all four modules
Designed to be completed over time, alongside real leadership work in school

Participants are encouraged to pause videos, reflect, engage with resources, and apply learning directly to their own setting.