Headteacher Coaching
I work via video call, or phone call (happy to do in-person work if you're not far away). The consultation call helps to clarify your requirements. We can work together to establish a programme that will deliver the results you are looking for.
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Coaching Packages:
3 x 1 hr sessions: £230.
​6 x 1hr sessions: £450.
(People often like to space the first few sessions quite close together e.g. fortnightly, and have later sessions monthly, but we can work this out together, based on your preferences.)
You can also do a 'pay as you go' model with a 75 minute session for £99, if you prefer that.
If you'd like something different, please get in touch and we can discuss. Book here for a free no-obligation consultation (30 minutes).
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What's coaching all about?
Leadership has seasons, just like life . . .
* taking on your first leadership role with all the self-doubt that brings
* taking on a new role with greater responsibility and becoming less hands-on and more strategic
* entering middle age as a leader and managing changes in health and energy levels
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The oak tree at the bottom of my garden is a constant reminder of the wisdom of trees and the way they move through the seasons seamlessly - letting go of their leaves in the autumn, resting through the winter, renewing and growing in the spring and standing proud in all their glory in the summer. That's why I chose the oak tree as my logo!​​​​
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Coaching helps leaders move through the seasons and navigate the challenges they bring, such as:
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letting go of things that no longer serve you
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moving into your growth zone and learning new skills and behaviours
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learning how to rest and recuperate
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recognising your own strengths and values and stepping into that power
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Not ready for coaching right now?
Why not check out my free resources - 'Sustain' newsletter, 'Managing Difficult Conversations' workbook and blog on a range of relevant topics around sustainable headteachering​​​​​.​​
How did you benefit from the coaching?
"Feeling that I have a safe non-judgemental space to express any issues impacting upon my day to day. Feeling listened to and empowered to act."
Julie, Headteacher
"I left each session feeling more
focused, more confident, and more capable."
Nair, Headteacher
"This has honestly been the most impactful support/CPD that I have accessed in my entire teaching career."
Jacqui, Headteacher
Headteacher supervision
In headteacher supervision, we meet regularly (monthly or half-termly), and you share aspects of your work that seem important to discuss and explore. It could be events you've experienced, activities you've undertaken or relationships that are shifting or developing. Usually, one thing will float to the top as being most important, and we shine the light on that in our discussion.
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We engage in reflective dialogue and collaborative learning for the benefit and development of you and your school/organisation.
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There are 3 key elements to supervision: restorative, developmental and normative (professional and ethical sense-making).
For me, the restorative element is front and centre. As the leader of an organisation, your wellbeing is crucial to your effectiveness. You're invited to talk about how you feel about your work and how you are coping with the challenges. This provides an opportunity to build resilience, and resource yourself effectively for the work you do.
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Supervision is a chance for you to grow and develop as a leader and a person. By looking at how you work and how you tackle things, you build self-awareness. As you try new approaches and strategies you build your capacity and expand your toolkit.
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The main area in which supervision differs from coaching is in the normative element. We consider professional and ethical standards where necessary and how they might inform the choices you make. This is very much a partnership discussion, rather than me dictating the right way forward. I use my knowledge and experience as necessary to bring different perspectives into view, and to signpost avenues of possible support.
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Why choose me as your supervisor?
My training as a coach and supervisor, coupled with my 10 years of headship experience, and significant experience in supporting leaders (including through NPQ delivery) mean I am well placed to provide this support. Emotional agility (holding space for and validating emotions) is central to my work in all the services I provide, and it is particularly significant in headteacher supervision.
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​I have completed the following qualifications, which have helped me to grow and develop as a leader, coach and supervisor:
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MA in Education (specialising in special educational needs)
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​National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL).
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NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship)
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Associate Headteacher Programme​​
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Executive Coach/Mentor at Level 7 from the Institute of Leadership and Management.
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60 hours of training in coaching supervision at Oxford Brookes University.​
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I work via video call, or phone call (happy to do in-person work if you're not too far away from Newcastle).
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​Costs:
Annual supervision packages (can start at any time in the year):
6 x 1hr sessions (to take place half-termly) - £450
9 x 1hr sessions (to take place monthly, except during holiday periods) - £675
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"Knowing I am talking to someone who has dealt with similar things is hugely beneficial
The quality of the listening is appreciated – I really feel like I am seen and heard without judgement. The quality of empathy is very tangible."
Dominic, Headteacher
Should I choose headteacher coaching or supervision?
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The differences between the two approaches are quite subtle, but the 3 elements of supervision outlined above distinguish it from a coaching approach. In particular, in supervision there is a normative element, where we consider professional and ethical standards as and when the situation demands it. In coaching, I carry my headship experience very lightly, but in supervision it is there as more of a resource for us to draw upon if needed.
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If you have a specific problem or theme in mind, and would like to explore/discuss it over a few sessions, then coaching is probably the best place to start.
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If you are looking for a more regular space to bring areas of your work that have arisen to put under the spotlight, and restore your equilibrium, then supervision would be better.
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It's always good to start with a short consultation, so that we can see if I am a good fit for you as a coach or supervisor, and to get clarity on what you most need from our work together. Use the button below to book directly into my calendar for a no-charge 30 minute consultation.
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"I certainly would recommend this service to other Heads . . . You helped me hold the mirror at a different angle to allow me to consider other points of view. This has helped me to move towards improvement." Caroline, Headteacher
My commitment to clients​
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I will always come to a session ready to be fully present, and prepared to work with you on your issues.
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I will be clear from the outset as to what the charges are. There will be no hidden extras.
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My practice will be in line with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council’s ‘Global Code of Ethics’ which is available to view at https://emccuk.org/common/Uploaded%20files/Global-Code-of-Ethics-v2-2.pdf
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This guides me to be an ethical practitioner, who acts with integrity and honesty, and maintains clear confidentiality protocols.
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I undertake regular supervision to help me monitor and keep improving the quality of my coaching. I take part in regular training sessions to keep myself abreast of developments and continue improving my practice.
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I am fully insured.