Read the full guidance report
Recommendations poster
Recommendation 3
A structured, but flexible, implementation process
The final recommendations provides a structured process to help navigate and practically organise implementation. The process is organised into four flexible phases:
- Explore – Making evidence-informed implementation decisions
- Prepare – Planning and preparing for implementation
- Deliver – Supporting initial implementation and enabling ongoing improvements
- Sustain – Maintaining efforts and deciding on next steps
How does the implementation process fit with the behaviours and contextual factors?
Watch this 2-minute video to hear Professor Jonathan Sharples, co-author of the guidance, outline how the three recommendations of this guidance work together. The process helps school navigate change and organise implementation into manageable phases.
Additional resources
Master checklist
These checklists at the end of each phase of the process are designed to help leaders reflect on implementation in their setting.
Implementation process graphic
A diagram showing the implementation process.
Explore tool
The Explore tool helps schools select evidence-informed approaches that are right for their needs and setting. Schools should begin by weighing up considerations around the suitability of an approach then focus on more practical considerations around feasibility.
Implementation planning template
A template to help create a clear and logical implementation plan.
Editable implementation planning template
Build your own implementation plan with this editable tool.
Example implementation plan
This example plan from Shotton Hall Research School shows how they planned to implement supporting teaching assistants to deliver the ‘Fast Forward to Fluency’ reading intervention.
Effective Professional Development
Promote, deliver, and design high-quality learning opportunities.
Using research evidence
Understand, identify, and examine research evidence.
Blog reads
Implementation: every stage at every stage.
Bradford Research School blog by Mark Miller.
Implementation outcomes: stepping stones to effective implementation.
Durrington Research School blog.
Delivering and sustaining change beyond the honeymoon phase.
Durrington Research School blog by Ben Crockett.
Leading Phonics Implementation – An Evidence-Informed Journey
Pinnacle learning Research School blog by Iqrah Hussain.
Looking beyond the Launch – How to sustain implementation.
Tudor Grange Research School blog by Grant Davis.
Understanding the relationship between implementation and professional development
Professor Jonathan Sharples explains how professional development fits into the process of implementing new approaches in the classroom.