CSM Directory

Biography:

I work as an independent educational facilitator to deliver Specialist and Leadership NPQs, as an assessor for NPQs and as a Lead Professional Coach for the NPQSL and NPQLL for Best Practice Network. I have worked with BPN for two years, the Meridien Trust and Teachfirst for a year and a half, and have just started a contract with Church of England NPQsmall. I also provide CPD to schools on EAL , Pupil Premium and vulnerable children. I am an accredited Pupil Premium Reviewer and have supported schools in Closing the Gap. I was involved in the Northamptonshire countywide training programme for Attachment Awareness, production and delivery, as well as delivering training for ‘KS2 to KS3 transition in English’. My background is in Secondary English and Drama but have worked in both curricular and pastoral roles, with my last post as Senior Leader overseeing Inclusion.

I am currently coaching Senior Leaders and Literacy Leaders with Best Practice Network, both with national and international colleagues. However, in my previous role as a Specialist Leader of Education, I coached individuals in schools. My coaching training was with the Five Wells Teaching Alliance, though I have recently updated my training through Best Practice Network's Canvas platform.

I use the GROW model as a starting point and the Five Principles of Deliberate Practice. The focus being on the participant focusing on a couple of areas of improvement and self-reflection. If you focus intently on one or two areas, this is likely to deliver better results. Providing immediate feedback is key as this reinforces their ability to identify their strengths and their goals. One method I use is to ask the participant to look at how others might view them. Being able to understand and empathise with others' points of view can allow the participant to see their own self-concept.
Taking participants out of their comfort zone is at times, uncomfortable, but with a little practice, this tends to gain momentum. Gaining an understanding of the participant's journey is vital to understand their goals and ambitions. Building positive, non-judgemental relationships with participants from the start is imperative for the coach to gain their trust, therefore creating a positive working relationship. My ultimate aim for the people I coach is to support them to feel empowered and to have a sense of ownership of their journey towards their goals.