School Leader Development

Mike has developed a system comprising a blend of components that help staff reflect on their practice, facilitating the identification of strengths and areas for developmental need. Mike then supports the staff member to address the developmental need. Ideal for schools that wish to develop their own leaders.

Again the service is bespoke but often comprises the following components:

• Self reflection against the appropriate standards / framework and self awareness tools
• The identification of evidence
• Perspectives of those with whom they work, including that of the headteachers
• Maintenance of a written reflection on their own learning
• A school based project, agreed with the headteacher, that affords the staff member the opportunity to develop in specific, identified areas.

Whist every session is bespoke, for many schools a seven week school leader development programme has been highly effective. Mike visits the school one afternoon a week, for seven weeks and works on a one to one basis with up to four staff during the afternoon. All aspects of school leadership are covered and are related to the relevant professional standards and inspection requirements. Mike’s School Leader Development Tool is used as ther structure for these sessions.

In this way, the strengths and developmental need of each participant are identified. In addition, priorities for school development are also teased out. Participants then lead a school project that helps participants to close gaps in their experience, whilst addressing school development priorities.