I have had a career in education for over 35 years. Initially I taught music to all ages, from pre-school children through to adults, before moving into primary class teaching and subsequently 17 years of senior leadership. The leadership roles encompassed deputy headship, headship, executive headship, and a designated Local Leader of Education. As a single parent of two, I have come to realise the pressures and importance of balancing a successful career and family life.

Central to my philosophy as a teacher is the determination not to limit a child’s learning or potential. Yet as adults, obstacles and barriers are often placed on individuals which can limit aspirations, ambition, and success. Some of these are institutional, others are self-limiting. For some, these will deter progression into leadership and executive roles, and for others will restrict career progression and vision. As a leader I have employed coaching techniques to empower the adults with whom I worked, and through this approach hidden talents and aspirations were revealed and the confidence to take the leap into new areas gained.

Coaching has been part of my professional skillset since 2013 when I completed initial coaching training. In 2018 I enrolled on the ILM 7 in Executive Coaching and Mentoring at the University of the West of England. Clients have included other headteachers, aspirational senior leaders, Newly Qualified Teachers and team leaders within other service providers. I utilise the Positive Psychology approach in which clients learn to identify personal strengths and turn their problems and concerns into opportunities and strengths. As a result of this, clients have moved into leadership roles, developed long-term strategies for their organisation to thrive, and been confident in making decisions and motivating their teams. The Teaching Schools Council has validated that I am a coach as part of the Leadership Coaching Pledge for Women Leading in Education.

I offer a bespoke coaching course, grounded in adult learning and psychological approaches. The coaching creates a powerful and dynamic relationship in which you as a client will have the time, space, commitment and attention to achieve your goals and aspirations. The focus is entirely on you, the client, exploring all possibilities for improving your own performance and results. There is an understanding that you are responsible for your own decisions and are willing to set goals and accept challenges.

Coaching is undertaken in a place of privacy and appointment sessions held at mutually convenient locations and times. There is mutual trust which enables you to discover all possibilities and explore the areas that matter most to you and your success.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Music (Hons)

Master of Arts (Education)

National Professional Qualification of Headteachers (NPQH)

ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring (University of West of England)