Summer Term | 18 July 2023
aHead Service Summer Update
As we approach the end of another school we thought it timely to send out a newsletter updating you on the aHead service and our plans for next year.
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At a recent Professional Partners team meeting we reflected on the issues being raised across the network and how much we personally value the 1:1 meetings with you and the opportunity to talk through the issues that are keeping you awake at night. We’ve supported 57 new leaders this year through our induction programme and worked with c.150 individual more experienced school leaders who regularly engage with our service. Thank you for your support of our work and for being open and honest about the situations you face. In the vast majority of cases you have the solutions but we all know it’s good to talk things through and that what’s we are here for.
Changes to the Team
After three years as a Professional Partner Kevin O’Donnell is stepping down. Kevin has been an integral part of the team as we have grown and shaped the service and we are really grateful for his hard work and commitment to the role. Those of you who have worked with Kevin will we are sure, want to join the team in thanking him for all he has done.
We will be looking at caseloads for next year in the light of Kevin leaving as well as other factors and any changes will be communicated to you at the start of September.
Schools Week
You may already have seen an article in Schools Week about the aHead Service. We were approached by them after Easter as they had heard about our work supporting school leaders. You can read more here Who's supporting school Leaders to stop them hitting crisis point
Let us know what you think…..
We launched a review of our work as Professional Partners at the summer briefing. It is open until midday on 20th July so please do let us have your feedback.
There are 3 multiple choice questions with the opportunity for additional written responses. It’s only taking a couple of minutes on average to complete.
We really do want to know how we are doing.
Devon SLS aHead Service Survey
Wider Services Offer
Over the last year we have been developing our service and piloting two new pieces of work.
Headteacher Appraisal
We are offering a more personalised and bespoke approach to Headteacher Appraisal which has been designed and trialed by our team and a number of schools across Devon. The pilot has been very well received and we already have several more schools signed up for next year. Please click here for further information. If you’d like to know more please contact Clare in the Devon SLS Office at clare.coates@devonsls.co.uk.
Senior Leadership Team Support
We have also been working with a school who asked for support for their senior leadership team. This has been on a half-termy basis and has been very successful. If you would like to know more about how we can support your senior leaders, please contact David at david.barnett@devonsls.co.uk.
And finally,
Thank you for your hard work and commitment to improving the lives of children and young people across Devon. There are always difficulties amongst the moments of joy, but we are fully aware that these are unprecedented times and that you are dealing with more and more challenges as a result of wider system, services and societal factors which are way beyond your control. As a network, you really are doing an amazing job.
We look forward to working with you in the new school year but in the meantime, we hope you have a great summer break and make sure you take a good amount of time away from all things school to focus on yourself and those who are important to you.
With our very best wishes,
Your DSLS aHead Professional Partners Team
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