This face-to-face course explores the professional practice of planning, both individually and collaboratively, in line with the key messages of Preparation for Teaching and Learning – Guidance for All Primary and Special Schools. Teachers will examine the purpose of planning as a tool for clarity, focus, and responsiveness, with practical guidance on short-term planning structures, differentiation for pupils on the Continuum of Support, and the use of templates. The course highlights the reflective value of Cúntáisí Míosúla, emphasising how planned versus actual content, pupil engagement, and professional insights can inform future practice.

Long-term planning will be considered in the context of curriculum alignment (PLC, PMC, and the Primary Curriculum Framework), whole-school approaches, and the inclusion of SSE and SIP targets. Participants will also explore collective and collaborative planning strategies, including working with SETs and year-level colleagues. The course concludes by connecting all aspects of planning as part of a responsive, reflective teaching cycle that supports improved learning outcomes.

Planning as Professional Practice
○ Key messages of ‘Preparation for Teaching and Learning - Guidance for All Primary and Special Schools’
○ Purpose of planning: clarity, focus, responsiveness

Short Term Planning:
○ Structure of short term planning: Strand, Learning outcomes(Strand Unit), Focus of New Learning, Activities, Assessment of and for learning, and integration
○ Differentiation adjusting plans for children on the Continuum of Support
○ Example of short term planning template

Cúntáisí Míosúla -Use of Cúntáisí as a reflective tool
○ planned v’s actual content covered
○ Notes on pupil engagement and progress
○ Professional reflection of teacher practice - how to inform future planning

Long Term Planning
○ Yearly plans aligned with PLC, PMC and the Primary Curriculum Framework and Curriculum Content
○ Spiral and thematic learning
○ Whole school long term planning - Primary Curriculum Framework, Relate, Behaviour Strategies
○ Inclusion of School Self Evaluation and Improvement Plan

Collective and Collaborative Practice
○ Establish effective team-based planning routines (SET and/or teachers at the same level)

Putting it All Together - Planning as Reflective, Responsive Practice
○ Connecting short-term, long-term, and Cúntáisí planning
○ Using classroom experience to revise and adapt future plans
○ Build habits of professional reflection

This in-person session is suitable for all Primary Teachers, SETs & SNAs.