"In a world where you can be anything, be kind." Caroline Flack
Restorative Tools for Supportive Challenge
Restorative Tools for Professional Development
Restorative Tools for Professional Development
School leaders need to know the strengths and areas of development in their schools to ensure the best educational outcomes for all students. That said, the fear factor in school evaluations of teaching can be a major roadblock to teacher growth and professional development. So, getting the balance of approach right is key. When educators feel anxious about being evaluated, it can prevent them from taking risks, trying new things, and ultimately improving their practice. It can often lead to an ‘us and them’ feeling between leadership and those on the chalk face.
I have witnessed first-hand the impact a restoratively informed MER system can have on an organisation. As a senior leader, I implemented a whole-school approach to MER that was done ‘with’ our staff and not ‘to’ our staff. What we had in place before and what we had after the changes were made, was the difference between night and day. Communication improved, everyone felt heard, and trust was built in a way that hadn't been there before. We were able to identify what was working and what needed to improve, resulting in better decision making and a more positive working and learning environment. It was amazing to see people come together to collaborate and solve problems in an inclusive way. The results spoke for themselves, and our organisation saw a significant improvement in morale and overall academic success. By removing the fear factor from MER processes, schools can create a culture of trust and collaboration, where teachers feel supported and empowered to take ownership of their professional growth.
A positive change awaits!
A restoratively informed MER system can bring several benefits, including:
· Increased transparency and trust.
· Encouraging accountability and responsibility.
· A clear understanding of what is working and what is not.
· Providing a more collaborative and inclusive problem-solving process.
· Fostering a positive organisational culture.Embrace the power of a person-centred CPD program! It's time to prioritise the voices of our staff, listen to their feedback, and engage in clear and effective communication.
Restorative Tools for Professional Development
Restorative Tools for Professional Development
Restorative Tools for Professional Development
Investing in people and reviewing your CPD provision through a person-centred lens has never been more important, it prioritises the individual needs, growth, and development of your staff. This leads to increased job satisfaction, motivation, and staff retention, which in turn benefits the students and the overall quality of education. With forward planning and an understanding of the needs of both the school and individual staff members, we can help you to co-create a CPD program that truly makes a difference. Investing in the professional development of our teams not only strengthens relationships and boosts morale, but also equips us with the tools necessary to drive student success and shape the future of education. Having a clear and focused vision for your CPD provision, supported by effective communication processes that are both challenging and supportive, can create a collaborative and supportive learning environment where growth and development are valued. The importance of focusing on a select few CPD areas, mastering them before advancing, and incorporating the sharing of best practices and open communication cannot be overstated. As a leader with experience of implementing a person centred CPD program, I understand the transformative power professional development when done right can have. I have seen the positive impact it can have on both educators and students. The end results? Educators who are empowered to reach their full potential and students who benefit from a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
Embrace the power of a person-centred CPD program! It's time to prioritise the voices of our staff, listen to their feedback, and engage in clear and effective communication.
A person-centred CPD program can bring several benefits, including:
· Fostering personal and professional growth.
· Allowing individuals to take control of their own learning.
· Promoting a strengths-based approach to professional development.
· Encouraging reflective practice.
· Supporting diversity and inclusivity in the learning process.
Lead Teams Restoratively to Maximise Buy-in
Lead Teams Restoratively to Maximise Buy-in
Lead Teams Restoratively to Maximise Buy-in
As leaders, we have the opportunity to inspire a generation of future leaders in modelling what being a great leader looks like. We are a blueprint for the approaches they may adopt, therefore our responsibility to get it right is huge. Restorative leaders invest in people - It is the difference between ‘leading’ our teams and ‘managing’ our teams. What makes a good leader in our schools is independent of the age of the students we teach and entirely down to the quality of the relationships we foster with our staff. Honest communication and solving problems together helps boost teamwork, morale and getting things done. A restorative leader places individuals at the centre of decision-making and creates an environment that values all voices, respects individuality, and provides appropriate support. By building trust-based communities and strengthening relationships, you can create an atmosphere of teamwork, morale, and improved performance. Incorporating restorative practices into staff meetings not only provides valuable support to team members but also saves time. The results speak for themselves - strengthened relationships, clear communication, and a thriving team dynamic.
The impact of leading with a restorative approach is undeniable, and I am confident that it will surpass all expectations. So get on board, break down barriers and unleash the full potential of your teams.
Leading teams restoratively to maximise buy-in has several advantages, including:
· Encouraging collaboration and communication.
· Fostering a positive and inclusive team culture.
· Building trust and respect among team members.
· Providing opportunities for healing and growth.
· Achieving shared goals and objectives more effectively.
Relationship-Centred Line Management
Lead Teams Restoratively to Maximise Buy-in
Lead Teams Restoratively to Maximise Buy-in
Line managers play a crucial role in the success of a school, from cleaners and site staff, canteen staff, teaching assistants, teachers and leadership. Line-management can be transformative at all levels in all roles, both for the person line-managing and for the person being line-managed. Despite its importance it often isn’t given the time needed in providing people with a framework for how to do this successfully in our schools. Having seen both good and bad approaches to line-management, I can attest to the positive impact of a relationship-centred approach. By prioritising building positive relationships above all else, with those I line-managed, I created a supportive environment where everyone felt valued and motivated to succeed. Instead of just directing tasks and micromanaging, a relationship-centred approach allowed me to connect with my team on a personal level, understand their strengths and challenges, and support them in achieving their goals. Taking a relationship centred approach provides leaders with opportunities to build meaningful connections and create a more fulfilling work experience for all.
Establishing a relationship-centred approach to line-management has several benefits, including:
· Improving trust and communication between managers and employees.
· Fostering a supportive and empowering work environment.
· Encouraging personal and professional growth.
· Building a sense of belonging and connection among team members.
· Supporting a culture of openness, accountability, and collaboration.