ABSTRACT
The creation of a good learning environment in primary schools is a responsibility shared by the headteacher and staff who must all play a significant part through effectively managing the human resources in the school. We have seen in earlier chapters that the aims statement and the school development plan are used to establish a common purpose for the school. In turn careful organisation of the curriculum and the provision of opportunities for teacher professional development can provide a sound foundation on which the management of the school can be based. Headteachers and senior staff will also need to:
• set high professional standards in such areas as teaching, displaying children’s work, and communicating with parents;
• show a high level of personal involvement so that they are seen to be playing a full part in the daily routines of school life;
• be available to their colleagues for discussions on professional matters and to give help, advice and support;
• be interested in individual teacher development and take an active part in the professional development of all staff;
• give a lead in establishing and using the aims of the school and in achieving the objectives embodied in the school development plan;
• encourage the participation of all staff in the setting and achieving of objectives, the formulation of plans and decision-making;
• help staff to evaluate their own work and that of the children and to use those evaluations to inform planning for the future.
