Schools as learning organisations (SLO)

About SLO

SLOs nurture a culture of professional learning and enquiry. All members of the school or setting are involved in developing a shared vision to support their learners to reach their full potential.  

In SLOs, all staff are engaged in identifying their individual professional learning aims. This is built on through teamwork and collaborative networks within the school and with the community around the school, to develop organisation wide practice and culture.

The SLO model includes seven aspirational goals and processes to support schools and settings develop as learning organisations. The SLO model is on pages 1 and 2 of the interactive SLO PDF.

An overview of the key features of the 7 dimensions 

More detail can be found in pages 3 to 9 of the SLO PDF.

• Shared vision: leaders involve the whole school community to develop a shared, inclusive, inspiring vision that aims to enhance the learning experiences and outcomes of all learners. Many schools in Wales have used the SLO model to support them to develop their vision for Curriculum for Wales.
• Continuous learning: SLOs develop a ‘learning culture’ with time and resources provided for all staff to engage in professional learning. Staff identify their individual priorities for professional development, which in turn support the goals of the school or setting.
• Learning and collaboration: in SLOs, staff reflect and evaluate practice together. Schools create opportunities for staff to collaborate and examine pedagogical practice together.
• Culture of enquiry: the whole school community is actively engaged in enquiry with staff encouraged to take risks, experiment and be innovative to support them to extend their practice. Trust and mutual respect are core values which underpin the development of innovation.
• Exchanging knowledge: in SLOs, staff regularly discuss and evaluate whether actions, including professional learning, have had the desired outcomes and they work together, referring to research evidence when appropriate, to improve practice.
• External environment: SLOs develop partnerships with parents/carers, other schools, universities, businesses, public organisations, and the community to respond to change and develop mutual learning.
• Learning leadership: in SLOs, school leaders model learning leadership and ensure all staff have access to strong collaborative learning opportunities.

SLO survey

The starting point for schools and settings to begin their SLO journey is the SLO survey. School leaders can use the survey to find out where their school and staff are on their learning journeys. Survey results highlight key strengths, areas for development, and ways of working to enable all staff to develop professionally. The survey results can be used as part of school improvement plans to support the development of all learners.

The 2024 to 2025 SLO survey can be completed by schools and settings at any point during the academic year. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Before completing the survey, users need to be logged into their Hwb account. Further advice and guidance on completing the SLO survey is available in the SLO survey desk instructions or by contacting support@hwbcymru.net

Case studies

Reports