Client Feedback

Self-Evaluation Tool For Those Assisting Teaching and Enabling Learning

The self-evaluation tool you created and delivered to us was immensely useful . The Tool definitely helped me to evaluate my own personal performances as an LSA in supporting the class teacher and also in my independent roles in helping learners make individual progress.

The layout of your presentation and the way you linked the Welsh Government Professional standards and Enabling pathways really helped me to identify the areas I should be focusing on in order to deliver my best to staff and pupils that I am working with.

By giving us the tools to highlight the way our school / class environments are enabling or blocking best practice I was able to recognise strengths and weaknesses to identify areas that could be developed individually or as a whole school development.

It made me realise that even though we have standards that we should all strive towards , there is always room to improve in ensuring that the standards are fully met to have the greatest positive impact on learners.

The Tool of Values And Dispositions was split up in such a practical way that it really helped me identify the areas that I need to encompass in my everyday teaching, supporting and learning in my role as an LSA .

Throughout the booklet I found the Standard descriptors such a good way of recognising the quality of practice delivered. It helped me to understand and distinguish between Effective Practice (E) and Sustained highly Effective Practice (S) .

The Catalyst prompts really made me question my own level of knowledge on each section delivered. It showed just how important Self Evaluation is and that it should be undertaken regularly by all staff members.

My Professional development has been greatly enhanced by taking this course. I feel I can make a greater positive impact on the children’s learning and also feel better equipped to deliver our school values and visions to all.

HLTA, Wales.

Thank you.

Impact:

Opportunity and time for reflection
Clear guidance and encouraged to reflect on own practice in relation to the standards.
I now have a better understanding of how the standards relate to my role in the classroom, such as understanding where learners are at the beginning of a lesson and where we want them to be by the end.
I am now more able to give purposeful feedback to class teacher to help inform evaluations and planning.
The booklet is excellent. Clear content and well structured.

Teaching Assistant, Primary, Wales.

I found the sessions beneficial. They made me reflect on my own practice and have highlighted my strengths and developmental need.

I will keep using the booklet throughout my career. It will be my ‘go to’ for evaluating my performance against the professional standards and for help and information.

Teaching Assistant, Primary, Wales.

It has been a really helpful and focused way for myself and colleagues to revisit the professional standards for assisting teaching. The booklet and sessions are clearly laid out with links made between the standards and enabling pathways, allowing for a greater clarity when evaluating your own current performance. The prompts also allow for structured reflection and discussion.

The project has also helped me to stay focused as its given a very specific additional purpose to my reflections, enabling me to identify developmental need and then to begin to address one specific need.

Teaching Assistant, Primary, Wales

I have enjoyed it. Going through the expectations has made it clear what is expected from my job role and will help me improve.

It has helped me reflect on my own practice and what I need to include moving forward.

It has helped me question what I am doing so I know its purpose in progressing the learners and encouraging independence.

I now ask myself

What is the purpose of the lesson?
What should the child get from the lesson and how can I move their learning forward?
Are their any barriers to their learning? Any ‘ramps’ required?

Teaching Assistant, Primary, Wales

I have enjoyed reflecting on my practice as a HLTA and identifying areas that are strengths and areas for development. It has been informative to collaborate with other TAs and listen to their roles and responsibilities, identifying areas where there are common themes.

The course has allowed me to reflect on the standards and highlight areas within my practice which I am currently doing well, but also areas where I need more support to attain Sustained Highly Effective Practice.

Mike Glavin has ensured key questions have been asked to allow me to reflect on my practice throughout the sessions. I will use the booklet to evaluate my practice throughout my career as a HLTA.

HLTA, Primary, Wales

The sessions have given me the time to reflect practice as a TA to understand my strengths and areas of development and now I am beginning to evaluate my own progress against the professional standards.

It has definitely given me a much deeper understanding of the professional standards. Deciding on a project has helped to focus my mind on how I can be more effective as a TA. Mike’s examples, drawing from his wide experience in various roles have been thought provoking and have made me ask questions of my own practice and my place in the whole school development. I now have the confidence to open those conversations about being more involved in planning, more involved in assessing and feeding back on learners’ progress.

Teaching Assistant, Primary, Wales.

Previously when we have considered ourselves against the TA standards it had been a tick box exercise, and as a level 3 TA we were all expected to score ourselves as high as possible and not realistically think it through. From doing this course, even though we may have the skills to match the standards, it has been an opportunity for us to consider what we actually do, which has an impact on the learners and their learning. Mike has been able to give us a variety of examples of both good and what people think is good (but it isn’t) practice. He hasn’t come in and said you must…, he has helped us see and consider ourselves honestly. It also hasn’t been an exercise in you are bad at this and this and this, but it has enlightened us to see what may be blocking us to enable the children to learn to their potential. Personally I know I do aid my children, but Mike’s ‘sheep dip’ analogy will live with me as I know realise there is more to be done to make it effective and have a measurable impact on the children’s learning.

Teaching Assistant, Primary, Wales.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my sessions with you as I have been able to process each section separately. The structure has really provided me with confidence in my role, not only as an enabling adult but as a TA overall. I will continue to use the booklet you provided through my career as it provided me with an excellent reference point when it comes to my own self reflection of my strengths and developmental areas.

Once again thank you for the last 6 weeks, I really enjoyed it.

HTLA, Wales

When I was originally told I would be working with Mike and the other HLTA’s within the school I was unsure what to expect from it. However I went in with an open mind and really enjoyed our sessions together. I found it interesting finding out in more depth about all the areas and then acknowledging where my strengths were along with what I can work towards. The sessions always felt relaxed and were kept confidential

HLTA, Wales

Supporting schools facing challenging circumstances:

“On behalf of the governing body I wish to pass on our sincere thanks for the contribution you have made to the ongoing positive journey being made by our school. We first met with you during the autumn term of 2021 when we were facing criticism from the Local Authority and your input certainly made us consider our position in a new light and was instrumental in changes in the role of governance within the school. In addition your input with staff has been superb and is very much allowing us to ‘ grow our own’ staff thereby allowing them to flourish and be a very significant resource for our school. I am aware also that you have provided excellent support and guidance to our headteacher in challenging times, all of which is hugely appreciated .

As you know we received superb feedback from the Local Authority in December 2021 and a further meeting in July 2022 further endorsed such messages – I felt honoured to be part of the meeting and hear the praise given to the school for all that it has achieved. The journey continues – lets reach for the stars !

Thanks again.”

Chair Of Governors, Wales

Working with Governors

Dear Michael,

I write to record the sincere gratitude of the Governing Body. I know from the comments and more particularly the modus operandi of the Governors in two recent sub-committee meetings, after the first Governing Training, that it has given focus, enthusiasm and understanding of the role and responsibilities of Governors. I am immensely grateful to you for both sessions and the development of skills now evident.

Kindest regards.

Chair Of Governors, Wales

The coaching programme delivered by Mike was an excellent experience, allowing senior governors to meet as a group and begin to embed the importance of our roles.

I felt that it gave us all an open and encouraging space to share our knowledge, experience and areas for development in order to focus on ensuring that governors at xxxxxxxx school is delivered in the manner expected of a Governing Body.

There certainly are challenges ahead for us as a group in our individual roles, however I feel that the course delivery has given excellent guidance in terms of how to move positively forward.

Drilling down into each strand was enlightening and clearly drew our attention to the gaps in our knowledge and monitoring which then led to discussion and the sharing of ideas as to how we can address the issues.

The opportunity to engage in the sessions was an excellent experience and I feel that the opportunity should be afforded to other governors.

Vice Chair Governors, Wales

Each session was carefully planned, very well facilitated with seamless transitions and progression.

The aims were very clear, specific and highly relevant to the challenges facing us.

The priorities for action were identified, current responses analysed and general action points indicated.

The nature of the governors’ action plan responses was clarified and their role in monitoring and evaluating progress emphasised.

This was a highly relevant coaching programme that had a very specific focus on Governors’ awareness of what they should be doing, what they are currently doing or not doing, how to make the transition and the indicators of progress.

Extremely valuable evaluation and review tool kit that urgently needs to be rolled out to the whole governing body.

Governor, Wales

A very informative and concise training session that provided clarity of the role of governors in effective school improvement processes. Open, safe and interactive
session delivered in a well paced way. Well received by all governors. Thank you. Governor, Wales

This was one of the most relevant sessions in terms of supporting priorities. The
presentation was clear, coherent, informed, highly relevant and much
appreciated. Thank you! Governor, Wales

Really explained the importance of self-evaluation in school improvement.
Another good session helping me understand my role as governor. Governor, Wales

Well structured session. Providing clarity of the two strands being focussed on.
Importance of the role of the Governing Body in both strands. Suggestions
(concrete) given to support the Governing Body in how to be effective in their
role. Governor, Wales

Informative as always. The session was run in a very engaging way and
information given in a “chunked” and easy to understand way. Open and informal
feel to the session enabling any questions to be asked without judgement.
Fabulous session. Governor, Wales

Again a useful information session that clearly raises the awareness of the
governors role within the school. Excellent suggestions made regarding actions
that could be taken. Very worth while. Governor, Wales

Working Alongside Headteachers

“I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible effort you have put into helping support me in developing our middle leaders. Your expertise and guidance have made a remarkable difference in shaping the leadership abilities. I am genuinely grateful for all the knowledge, experience and support you have provided for me in our sessions. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with you again in September and continue to learn from your invaluable insights. Thank you once again for your support, you have no idea how much your support has had on me in an isolating job where you are constantly doubting yourself.”

Headteacher, Wales

“Our school was in Special Measures when I arrived and I had been tasked with making rapid progress. Mike’s work not only helped my staff realise their full potential but created ‘change makers’ within my organisation. The staff that worked with Mike each developed personally and professionally. The projects they produced were tied into my SIP and Mike’s guidance and understanding of the pressure I face as head meant that he was able to find a middle ground between the school’s needs and the staff’s wants. The results have been remarkable. SGS Pegasus 4-19 School has grown quickly and sustainably by creating leaders within the organisation.”

Dominic Broad, Headteacher, England.

“We asked Mike to come on board to support the development of a more strategic and distributed leadership model that would enable school leaders to be able to take a step back and to consider how to further move the school forward.

Mike met with the governing body and senior leaders along with several bespoke sessions with myself and this helped to ensure a shared understanding of the changes required. Mike supported the school in unpicking the many roles and responsibilities required for a successful school and shared his experience of a range of other tried and tested models from other settings.

Along with the strategic leadership of the school, Mike has assisted staff in letting go of unhelpful habits (namely control and a fear of delegation) in favour of a more distributed leadership model. Having led by example for five years, the ability to ‘let go’ is not as straight forward as you might think.

Thanks to Mike’s input, the senior leadership team is now able to delegate effectively within an appropriate structure that spans learning and teaching, administration and site management – that’s not bad going! Thanks Mike – will continue to highly recommend.” Headteacher, Wales.

People/Team Development: School Leader Improvement

The coaching gave our staff the opportunity for bespoke 1:1 personal reflection time to support our Professional learning. This was valuable weekly time set aside to reflect and talk through professional standards and reflect on our leadership skills. With the increasing demands of being in Special Measures, this time was extremely important to be set aside so that we had that time to pause and reflect to ensure we are able to continue to effectively drive school improvements

This time also allowed us to evaluate our strategic thinking as it is so easy to drift into the operational role when under pressure. My knowledge of the Professional Standards has increased and it was important to us as a school to see things from Estyn’s point of view in order to understand the process the school is currently going through and the discussions we have with Estyn.

I feel as a result of the coaching I have a deepened understanding of my responsibilities and how to carry them out. The time allowed me to identify my personal areas of strength and areas of development. This has then allowed us to focus on a project to put these areas of strength and development into practice to support and drive our school projects inline with our school PIAP.

Completing this coaching as an SLT gave us an opportunity to discuss with our team members our thoughts if we wanted to share and allowed us to understand each other’s strengths and support each other’s developments.

Deputy Head, Wales

“I find that, as a headteacher, it is quite common to be sceptical about engaging in professional learning because you are always balancing up impact of training versus all of the jobs you have to do. However, it was quite clear to see after the first session with Mike that the genuine bespoke nature of this program was going to be beneficial to both me and the school as a whole.

The mirror that is held up encourages you to reflect on yourselves in ways which we sometimes would avoid but it is within those dark spots that we can begin to work on the things we need to do both individually and collectively to drive forward school improvement.

I have little doubt that the school management are already working more cohesively and effectively since engaging with Mike. I look forward to further cohorts being able to share this experience.”

Secondary School Headteacher, Wales

It’s been a great experience to have the opportunity to take part in the sessions. You can tell that the sessions are completely bespoke, especially when examples are given that are pertinent to your own development. I loved that it was informal and relied on professional discussion – much better than being spoken at and ‘death by powerpoint’! This also gave me the opportunity to find out about things that I would be too scared to ask in another context.

It has filled the gaps I found I had in the training provided by the MLDP, and has enabled me to have dedicated time to assess my strengths and areas for development. Whilst a daunting task at the beginning, it was clear that Mike would be honest (even if you didn’t want to hear it) and has the best interests of our development at heart.

I feel that it’s made a real difference in the way in which I understand the school works, the reasons for decisions and my role as a leader. I have begun to develop the confidence to put forward my ideas and share what I feel is important in relation to my role.

Thank you so much for providing an experience that meant that I was able to share my ideas and build my confidence, Mike. It has been a fantastic experience and I’m looking forward to putting some of my ideas into practise! I meant what I said – it would be fantastic if we could give you an office, just for check ins!

Middle Leader, Wales

It has been great to work with you over the last few weeks. I’m looking forward to fully getting into my project.

Impact of the school leader development tool/programme:

Time for self-reflection.
Boost to self-confidence; very critical of myself so some of the discussions have given me improved self-esteem.
Highlighted areas that I need to develop.
Having dialogue with teaching professionals from outside the 4 walls of Kitchener.
Impact: provided focus for the needs of the school.

Thank you for all your insight and wisdom, look forward to seeing you around the school next year.

Senior Leader, Wales

Impact:

The opportunity has made me and my personal Professional Learning needs feel valued

Time to think strategically

Opportunity to improve my knowledge of the Professional Standards

First real opportunity to undertake Professional Learning specifically linked to being a senior leader

No judgement- confidence to be candid about my role and how I can fulfil the responsibilities of my portfolio

Celebration of successes and impact in my role

Reflection on areas to develop

Time to consider what we do as a team or school and realise our school mission

Assistant Headteacher. Secondary. Wales

What went well?

Mike created a safe and nurturing environment where you felt comfortable enough to share your areas of development, where no judgements were made, only how best Mike could support you. He took the professional standards and broke them into easy manageable chunks so you could really think about yourself as a professional against each strand.

What didn’t and how could it be improved?

Nothing – I loved it!

What difference, if any, has it made to you?

It has made me think about the bigger picture. As a class teacher you think about your practice within your classroom. Mike has made it so you think about it from a school’s perspective. It encouraged me to look at what I need to develop and work on to better myself as a professional.

Middle Leader, Wales

What went well?

Each session was structured and clear. I felt I knew what was happening before each session with the timetable and information given to me. Mike made me feel empowered within my teaching role and I found myself ‘coming out of my shell’ more as the sessions went by. Mike was always friendly and warm and I felt I could say anything to him knowing it would be said in confidence. There were no ‘silly questions’ and Mike always answered any questions professionally. I enjoyed my coaching sessions with Mike and feel ready to engage with my project within the school.

What didn’t and how could it be improved?

I don’t think anything could be improved. It might be useful for schools to share the feedback from the coaching programmes from previous staff maybe? I know I felt quite nervous during my first session not knowing what to expect.

What difference, if any, has it made to you?

I definitely feel I have grown in confidence since visiting Mike. I often doubt myself and find myself ‘stressing’ about making sure everything is going well within the Year group but Mike would always question me and say ‘Well, you feel this way because you care about the children in your care.’ Mike is very neutral and logical about situations which helped me. I feel I have more knowledge on the Health and Safety/Finance aspect of teaching and will work hard to make sure this is always kept ‘on the boil’ in the future.

Middle Leader, Wales

I really enjoyed the sessions, I thought you created a very comfortable environment and one which I felt comfortable to say my honest views and opinions. I thought the process has enabled me to be seen in a different way within the school and this would not have happened without your intervention. I think you are able to find the best in people and share this with school school leaders, to allow an actual team to be created. After this course my daily view on a schools running has changed and I think about situations and decisions in a different light. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenarios we discussed and how it enabled me to critically think about many daily situations within schools. I think the project at the end of the course is a good as it allows for my development to continue past the course and for me to put into practice what I have learnt.

Middle Leader, Wales

What went well?

It was so beneficial to have protected time to sit for an hour 1:1 to reflect both personally and professionally. Having someone to talk with, listen to and who was independent and objective outside of the school was really useful in rationalising, confirming as well as challenging thinking.

It was well structured, focusing on different aspects each week.

It was also useful to hear how Mike approached the programme with other members of staff and what staff perceptions were of things.

What didn’t and how could it be improved?

Working with Mike as a collective group e.g. SLMT to ensure cohesion and consistency of approach.

What difference, if any, has it made to you?

It has supported me in feeling able to trust people, for me to be honest and open. It has allowed me to feel listened to and my views and opinions respected and for my work place to be a more positive place for me personally. I now feel I have a voice.

Deputy Head, Wales

“I think the whole structure of the programme is great, the meeting with everyone was a good introduction to what was expected of us. I felt everything was very explicit of what was expected of us and nothing unexpected popped up.

I liked going through a standard a week, for me this kept it clear and I could see where we were going. I liked having been given reading before hand so we knew an overview of the standard and what we would be discussing. This meant we could utilise the time we had with you, as we already had an idea of the standard (even if we didn’t have any experience with it). For more experienced teaching staff I imagine this was useful for them to plan key points they may have wanted to discuss with you in relation to that standard as well.

I really like the fact we have chosen projects that we have identified ourselves for school development and that has given us ownership of them. You could have decided from what you have seen the specific areas we need to improve as a school and delegated projects accordingly but allowing us to investigate and choose for ourselves makes the experience more authentic. The project feels purposeful, as we will hopefully see the positive outcomes of our project within school and benefiting the children.

You are very supportive throughout but you don’t ‘answer things for us’. You encouraged me to find answers for myself when it would have been easier to tell me, but I think that shows a good coach.

I think having the hour with yourself and the headteacher is a great part of the programme. I know how busy everyone is so it made me feel appreciated and valued that time was given up to listen to my idea and guide me through it. I think it is motivating for people on the programme, so they know their project is of value to our school.

It has given me a lot of confidence. As I said in our meeting, I was wondering why I was there initially as it seemed very far away from where I am but I actually think it doesn’t have to be that far away. Everyone has to start somewhere and it has allowed me to access those headteacher standards at a steady pace and work out what information I know (I surprised myself that I knew more about them than I thought I would) and where I need to find out more information and develop myself and I have been reflecting on the hidden self things we talked about.

Each week I have found myself reflecting on our conversations days later, for example after we discussed health and safety, I re-assessed my outdoor block area, if I see shelves have been moved out, I put them back. It made me see lots of things I was previously oblivious too (and this goes beyond health and safety!)

It has also given me a lot of knowledge. I’ve appreciated having the time to listen to a very experienced headteacher guide me through an introduction to the headteacher standards, with the opportunity for discussion points in our school.”

Senior Leader, Wales

“There was a lot of chatter around the school after you had worked with the first cohort, so I was looking forward to the sessions, especially having worked under your leadership previously, and it being one of my most talked about experiences. The programme didn’t disappoint!

Thank you for the supportive way in which the programme runs, it was definitely nurturing. My sessions could not have been planned for a better time and have already influenced my practice. Reminding me what I have already achieved and what I can go on to accomplish, personally and professionally. Definitely a confidence boost!

The difference for me is that I feel like I have got my old self back and feel prepared for the conversations ahead. I have had the quiet self belief, and know that I have been doing many things effectively, but not always confidently spoken out due to the circumstances. I will remember this when I bring my views to the table in future.

I have genuinely enjoyed the programme, and once again am often heard quoting ‘Mike said….’ during discussions with friends. I am looking forward to being on the bus, and travelling in the same direction!

I know I wouldn’t have been able to have those conversations with just anybody, so I thank you for being able to draw those things out of me.

Looking forward to your presence in school the rest of the year, and the positive impact it has on us all.”

Senior Leader, Wales

“I thought you created a very comfortable environment and one in which I felt comfortable to share my honest views and opinions. I feel that the process has enabled me to be seen in a different way within the school and this would not have happened without your intervention. I think you are able to find the best in people and share this with school school leaders, to allow an actual team to be created.

After this course my daily view on a schools running has changed and I think about situations and decisions in a different light. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenarios we discussed and how it enabled me to critically think about many daily situations within schools. I think the project at the end of the course is a good feature as it allows for my development to continue past the course and for me to put into practice what I have learnt.”

Middle Leader Wales

“I thoroughly enjoyed the coaching programme. It has given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone to support the development of our school.

I enjoyed working with the standards one week at a time as it didn’t add to the workload and also gave me time to reflect on the standards throughout the week whilst teaching. This gave me the opportunity to begin thinking as a leader.

The difference it has made to me is my developing confidence. The last meeting we had focussing on the self awareness tool and the meetiung with the headteacher, was really encoraging. It was lovely to hear what people see and think about me, as it wasn’t what I expected.

I have been very excited and am making progress with my project because of the coaching programme with you.”

Middle Leader, Wales

“Thank you so much for your time, support and such a wonderful professional learning experience – I have loved every minute of it!

The impact for me:

Enabled me to think more whole school, as a middle leader, as opposed to a classroom teacher.

I have had the opportunity to discuss the leadership strands in depth which has given me a far greater understanding of how I can contribute effectively to the school.

It has encouraged me to be a reflective practitioner and to recognise and address personal strengths and areas to develop.

I feel that the final project has been beneficial to me but also the school as a whole. I love the fact that the project has to be something that we have limited experience in. I really feel that I am developing myself and the school. Our discussions have supported my Master’s research, I’ve even used some of your blogs as references.

I have found the sessions so inspiring. I feel like I have developed enormously as a practitioner and am beginning to understand my role as a middle leader so much more clearly.

I left every session feeling motivated and excited about the journey we are on.

The coaching programme has inspired me to keep working hard to develop myself as a practitioner and to believe in myself a little more! Thank you again Mike.” Middle Leader, Wales.

“I found the coaching programme hugely beneficial both personally and professionally. The style in which the sessions were delivered were relaxed but informative, allowing me to be guided through the process and develop my understanding and knowledge of leadership. Mike provided an authentic, honest, ‘critical friend’ approach which supportively guided the sessions.

Using the headteachers standards to guide the sessions made it easy to break down areas of responsibility, knowledge and the required skillset, so that each week I could reflect on a different area of focus. Being able to focus on each section at a time enabled me to really reflect and think about where I am and how I could progress, as well as what I might need to get there.

Being able to pull together the support through a presentation and project was a fantastic way to reflect on the process as a whole and make sure the coaching sessions were useful and had an impact on my development, opposed to just gaining valuable insight which then may not be utilised or acted on effectively following. The project element also ensured that the sessions were beneficial to not only myself, but more importantly the school as a whole. It allows personal progression but an opportunity to also reflect on current processes and practices as a school and how we might improve, develop, and constructively reflect on current systems.

For me there were no negatives. The timings, organisation, approach and relaxed, friendly, neutral manner in which Mike lead the sessions allowed open and authentic conversations in which professional dialogue could happen.

I have gained confidence in my professional abilities and clarity of my skillset, areas for development and ways in which I can move forwards professionally. I was able to reflect on my personal attributes and personality, exploring how these impact on my professional role. Knowing this has enabled me to address them and ultimately grow. Middle Leader, England

The sessions with Mike allowed time for honesty, reflection, celebration and progression. It has allowed me to reflect on my own practice and to identify my personal strengths and developments as well as the impact I have and need to have in moving the school forward after what has been a difficult few years.

After every session I feel energised and motivated to make a difference to the children, the school and the SLT.

I am more focussed in the way I can continue to support the school development / improvement. I feel enthusiastic and excited about the direction in which we are heading. A consistent approach is being adopted with drive and commitment. I feel that the ‘buzz’ that has been sparked with Mike’s session is contagious and other members of staff are curious and are looking forward to being part of the journey. Senior Leader, Wales.

The sessions with Mike have really helped me understand the leadership standards and the various roles involved at different levels of leadership. I have been made aware of areas which I didn’t have a previous awareness of and has opened my eyes to everything that is involved in the successful leading of an organisation. He has helped me unpick how each standard fits in with my role within the school and how I can further develop myself as a leader in a progressive way to truly impact upon standards and curriculum. He has sparked excitement in me and has done so in a supportive way – I really look forward to going to his sessions as he shares great advice from his practice but it doesn’t come across in a way which makes you feel inferior. There are lots of strategies which I have ‘magpied’ and have considered adapting for us at our school so everything is pertinent for us. I like that he is there to offer advice and support us in our projects. Middle Leader, Wales.

I think the programme with Mike has been both cathartic and energising.

It has provided the opportunity for honest reflection on current professional practice and identified areas and steps for improvement which will move the school forward after a difficult few years.

It has been useful to look at the different areas each week and consider the leadership standards within as this has highlighted strengths both for individuals and as a whole. We do so much good but can sometimes be caught up in what has gone wrong or isn’t going so well. Deputy Headteacher, Wales.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the coaching programme. Our regular meetings with the focus on the Headteachers standards was a fantastic introduction for me into leadership, I felt incredibly comfortable in your company

Breaking the standards down also provided clarity, I enjoyed the approach taken with looking at the standards a few at a time, it wasn’t overwhelming, which it could be even for an experienced teacher! You provided many examples of what else we could do to add to our evidence.

I didn’t feel out of my depth in any of our meetings, even though clearly the process has shown professional and personal areas of both strength and development

This programme has made a massive difference to how I feel about where I want my teaching career to go. It has given me a chance to reflect upon my career in a way I haven’t been able to do before. Teachers need more of this!

Your coaching builds self-confidence and for me, I have made the decision from this process that my next teaching role will be in a management post.

So, thank you Mike for giving me this opportunity. It has kickstarted for me what will be the next phase of my career.

Thank you so much. I have loved working with you and look forward to working with you again in the future.” Extended Senior Management Team Member, England

“Having the time to think about my own qualities/areas of improvement in regards to the whole school picture has been really helpful. Meetings with Mike have been positive and relaxed while at the same time moving forward at a pace that keeps the interest.

It’s helped me to see where the school is heading and the wider picture, rather than just from the class/phase that I am working. It’s also made me look at things in a more critical way and notice how/why things are done.” Extended Senior Management Team, England

“The meetings were very structured with the standards broken down in to groups which allowed me to focus on those rather than thinking I need to look at them all at once

……… it pin pointed what my strengths are and where I need more development

…….supported with my confidence…..

A huge thank you to you! I’m very grateful to have this opportunity of being coached by yourself!” Extended Senior Management Team, England