Professional Development 1:1 coaching of Senior Leadership Team
I first worked with Naila through 1:1 coaching in my role as a Deputy Headteacher. Naila’s skill set in questioning techniques empowered me to look at scenarios on a more strategic level; very quickly, I found myself identifying possible solutions at an operational level. It was my work with Naila that inspired me to believe that Headship was something I wanted to pursue. This was my rationale for applying for and successfully gaining the Acting Headship for a year. During my interview, one of the key areas of school I felt needed to change immediately was that of strengthening the Senior Leadership Team through increased accountability and level of challenge. I commissioned Naila to deliver a coaching programme to our Senior Leadership Team.
All Senior Leaders had fortnightly 1:1 coaching sessions with Naila. An increase in accountability was evidenced immediately; leaders were empowered to take a strong lead in their area of expertise and challenged each other in a constructive and supportive environment. Naila also held a training day for the Senior Leadership Team collectively to establish a joint set of values. As a result of the work with Naila, there was a marked improvement in terms of holding others to account and ensuring that leaders were performing to the best of their abilities. They were more effective with challenging underperformance and ensuring that they had to take ownership of their role in improving outcomes for all children.
The work that Naila has done with the senior leadership team has allowed the school to be in a stronger position with a team of people who are dedicated to wanting to improve the lives of children and it has inspired them to look forward to promotions of their own. Whilst challenging our own thoughts and actions, Naila has created a highly, effective group of individuals who are much more effective within their roles and not afraid to challenge others as a result.
Tally Bhambra
Acting Headteacher at Marshfield Primary School
