Closing the Gap

Working party leads: James Whittaker, Sarah Butterworth, Michala Uttley  

The DLP is committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background, have access to the highest standards of education and support. Our Closing the Gap initiative focuses on collaborative strategies to improve outcomes across all DLP schools.

A key element of this initiative is peer review, where headteachers lead bespoke evaluations aligned with each school’s strategic development priorities. This ensures continuous school improvement, fosters high aspirations, and strengthens collaboration across the partnership.

We are also reinforcing internal networks to provide structured support in Pastoral Care, SEND, EYFS, Business Management, and Moderation, enabling staff to share expertise and develop best practices. This is further strengthened by a targeted CPD programme based on whole-school data analysis, ensuring staff receive high-impact training in priority areas such as adaptive teaching, writing, and support for disadvantaged families.

Recognising the impact of socio-economic challenges, we are implementing poverty-proofing strategies to support disadvantaged pupils and families, using audit analysis to provide tailored assistance. A dedicated DLP Counsellor will also offer specialist support for children facing school attendance barriers (EBSA), working alongside the Pastoral Support Network to share best practices and strengthen links with families.

By embedding these approaches, the DLP continues to promote a culture of ambition, inclusion, and collaboration, ensuring all pupils benefit from a high-quality, well-supported education.

Please see our action plan below.