STESSIE: Stimulating Inclusion - An inclusive self-evaluation tool for schools - Estyn

STESSIE: Stimulating Inclusion – An inclusive self-evaluation tool for schools

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Several children in school uniforms sit at computer workstations in a classroom, each focused on a desktop computer. The room is bright with natural light from large windows in the background.

A blog by Mamta Arnott, HMI

A new online self-evaluation tool is now freely available to schools across Europe to support inclusive practice. Known as STESSIE, the tool helps schools reflect on, evaluate and strengthen how inclusive they are. Developed through two Erasmus+ programmes, it represents a significant piece of collaborative European work – with Estyn playing an important role in shaping its foundations.

What is STESSIE?

STESSIE is an online self-reflection tool, also available as an app, designed to help schools review and improve their inclusive leadership, school culture and classroom climate. It was developed through two successive Erasmus+ projects: BIBESOIN (2018–2021) and STESSIE (2022–2025).

During BIBESOIN, Estyn worked closely with international partners to design the framework that underpins the tool. The later STESSIE programme built on this foundation, leading to the development and launch of the full digital platform. Importantly, the tool is freely accessible to schools across Europe.

Inclusion as a whole-school responsibility

At the heart of STESSIE is a clear principle: inclusion is a whole-school approach. It is not the responsibility of one team or specialist, but a shared commitment involving leaders, teachers, support staff, families and learners.

Rather than focusing on isolated initiatives, the tool encourages schools to reflect on how inclusive values shape everyday decisions, relationships and classroom experiences. It considers how leadership sets direction, how school culture promotes belonging, and how classroom practice responds to diverse needs. This holistic approach supports sustained, coordinated improvement rather than short-term fixes.

Listening to the whole school community

A key strength of STESSIE is its ability to bring together the perspectives of staff, parents and students within the same school. By examining these views side by side, schools gain a richer understanding of how inclusion is experienced across their community.

Perceptions may align – or they may differ. Both insights are valuable. This shared reflection helps stimulate professional dialogue, strengthen collective ownership and identify meaningful next steps.

A strong European partnership

The project brought together inspectorates, ministries, universities and schools from across Europe, led by the Standing International Conference of Inspectorates (SICI). This broad partnership ensured the tool reflects diverse education systems and experiences.

Project partners are listed below:

  • SICI – The Standing International Conference of Inspectorates (Lead organisation)
  • Onderwijsinspectie – Inspectorate of Education, the Netherlands
  • IH2EF – Institute for Advanced Studies in Education and Training, France
  • The Republic of Estonia – Ministry of Education and Research
  • Estyn – His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education and Training in Wales
  • The Government of Malta – Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation
  • IES Monastil (IESM) – Institute of Secondary Education, Elda, Spain
  • National Inspectorate of Education, Bulgaria
  • Inspectorate of Education, Teacher Training and Support Centres and the Basque Government – Department of Education (Spain)
  • OEDE – Organisation of Primary Education Inspectors, Greece
  • Department of Education, Science and Universities – Community of Madrid, Spain
  • The Institute for Education Quality and Evaluation, Serbia
  • Ghent University, Belgium

Supporting long-term improvement

STESSIE is designed for ongoing use. Schools can return to the tool over time to track changes in perceptions, evaluate the impact of actions taken and refine their priorities. It provides a practical framework for sustained strategic development.

By encouraging shared reflection and collective responsibility, STESSIE offers schools a valuable opportunity to strengthen inclusion – supporting belonging, fairness and success for every learner.