CSM Directory

Biography:

I have been a primary school educator for approaching thirty years and I have worked in a wide range of contexts. I have been a school leader for more than twenty years and this included eleven years as Head Teacher of Ightham Primary School. Ightham was graded as outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in its last inspection. I have also been an Executive Head Teacher and worked as a Regional Director within a well-respected Multi-Academy Trust.

I was designated a Kent Leader of Education back in 2017 and completed coach-mentor training as part of that role. I advocate a coaching style of leadership and believe coaching is an extremely powerful tool for all school leaders to utilise. I am an ILM-qualified coach and hold two coaching qualifications including a professional coach qualification. I have been privileged to coach many Head Teachers and senior leaders over the years.

Alongside my work as a coach, I have facilitated on the NPQH for the last couple of years and marked assessments for the NPQH and NPQSL.

My coaching values are to act with honesty and confidentiality in order to build trust and rapport; respect and accept other’s individual experiences and meaning without judgement; allowing space for exploration and introspection; clarifying goals and responsibility; then, motivating to action. I am a keen advocate of Nancy Kline's 'Time to Think' which I use in most of my coaching sessions. Giving the coachee plenty of time to think and process their thoughts and ideas can be extremely powerful.

I would be delighted to have the opportunity to coach you and support you in the next phase of your professional development.