Training

Strengthen your education setting and secure succession planning. Every educator is potentially a leader of learning in some way; influencing thinking, behaviour and the development of others to accomplish a goal. Engaging in continuous learning of key leadership skills will encourage and motivate leaders to keep flying high because as we know, leadership isn't about the title, it's about what that person does on a day-to-day basis.

Becoming a teacher is challenging enough, but needing to direct additional adults to support pupils in or out of your classroom is another step again. However, this is how leadership begins and is therefore an opportunity to develop initial key skills. Through short sessions, I can help teachers to navigate their way through this successfully and become effective communicators.

Focus areas for this training can include: 

• communication 
• modelling 
• using inspiration and demonstrating passion to motivate those you are leading

'Communication is the most important skill any leader can possess.' Richard Branson

Becoming a curriculum leader is often a teacher's first swoop into leadership on a wider scale, and can also sadly be the point at which many decide this path is not for them. I can help curriculum leaders to become skilled in the requirements for their role, understanding the difference between managing and leading and inspiring them to see the impact they can make by expanding their passion as a teacher into that of a leader.

Subject leaders can often access up to date information about their area online, through social media and by attending updates. Many 'middle leaders' are accessing excellent opportunities to complete National Professional Qualifications, but capacity is limited for the provision of practical follow-up to this in school. I can support them in how to lead, manage and implement this learning in their role as a leader. 

Focus areas for this training can include: 

• the distinction between leadership and management
• monitoring and evaluating
• prioritisation
• improvement planning 
• innovation 
• CPD delivery 
• holding colleagues to account
• NPQ follow-up

'Forget about the fast lane. If you really want to fly, just harness your power to your passion.'       Oprah Winfrey

We will all have heard flocks of geese 'honking' loudly, which sounds chaotic but is actually how these birds communicate, support and encourage each other during flight. Leading an education setting team means leading other adults and all the complexities that come with this. Whether this is a small or larger team of people, clarity of communication is key to keep all members moving effectively towards a common goal. I can help team leaders to become skilled in the requirements for this role, learning to balance delegation, holding others to account and motivating colleagues to achieve great outcomes together. 

Focus areas for this training can include: 

• vision and setting direction
• taking others with you
• collaboration
• motivation
• effective communication
• negotiation and resolution
• holding challenging conversations
• team wellbeing

'The leader is the one who, out of the clutter, brings simplicity...out of discord, harmony...and out of difficulty, opportunity.' Albert Einstein

We need educators to aspire to these roles and enjoy a career achieving in them. The positive influence and impact people in these positions can have on hundreds of pupils or students and countless members of staff is so rewarding for the individual, and education as a whole. Whatever the title, the jobs are very similar and all involve carrying out, or contributing to, the overall leadership of an education setting. Whether you are new, returning to the role, or wanting to re-focus, I can help education leaders to develop or refine their skills required for these roles.

Focus areas for this training can include: 

• developing effective structure, policy and processes
• delegation and distributive leadership
• strategic and operational delivery
• using data
• identifying priorities
• improvement planning
• incorporating celebration and appreciation
• responding to any individual performance management or appraisal areas for development
• meeting the National Standards of Excellence for Headteachers

'Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.' John F Kennedy

Volunteers who become a school governor or academy trustee are crucial to the education system. Whether new, returning or wanting to re-focus on the role, I can help individuals or boards to become skilled in the requirements for this position, teaching them how they can effectively work in partnership with their educational setting to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Focus areas for this training can include: 

• the key differences between operational and strategic leadership
• purpose, roles and responsibilities
• planning, monitoring and evaluating improvement
• 'Guided Governance' support for making a school visit
• holding effective and efficient meetings
• Ethical Leadership and the Nolan Principles of Public Life - selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
• providing for Headteacher / Principal wellbeing

It is an exciting time for schools and academies as they creatively evolve with different leadership roles emerging. I can work with you to create bespoke training that fulfils the vison you have for your leaders within the context of current statutory expectations and available budget.