Executive Coaching for Staff Development

The Headmaster of Homefield Prep has an ILM Level 5 Professional Coaching and Mentoring Qualification. In this outreach programme he provides sets of four 1:1 executive coaching sessions, per colleague, for partner school staff to support their professional development. Coaching is an invaluable tool for developing people across a wide range of needs. The benefits of coaching are many; 80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence, and over 70% benefit from improved work performance, relationships, and more effective communication skills (source: ICF 2009).

Aims

To provide free executive coaching to serving staff at our local state school partner, Robin Hood Junior School. We have also made this service available to our other state partner, Muschamp Primary School and also to staff at the Royal Society of the Arts.  

Background

The Headteacher of Robin Hood School, with reference to her schools' appraisal process and development needs, helps to identify colleagues from different levels within the School...a range of staff from senior teachers, teaching assistants or administrators benefit.

Resources

The Headmaster of Homefield provides 4 sessions per colleague per 1/2 term and takes on 2 colleagues per half term. Sessions last for 45-60mins and take place either in the Heads Study or in a room made available at Robin Hood School.

Impact

Staff development underpins school improvement and provides a vehicle for raising achievement and attainment. Via executive coaching, teachers can develop understanding of an integration of knowledge and skills and apply this information. Their beliefs can be challenged by evidence and opportunities created to process this new learning. Coaching is a form of collaborative CPD and can thus be a strong dimension of teachers’ professional learning in school (see CfBT Coaching for Teaching 2010). All participants provide strong feedback in terms of improved capacity to overcome problems or to refine strategic thinking and action. 

Frequency

This is an on-going project.