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The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Leadership

Ashmi Morjaria
15 April 2019

Women in leadership – change the stats!

Two-thirds of women experience 'imposter syndrome' in the workplace. How can we combat this voice in our head, and how can we encourage and support the progress of other women? I recently attended an inspiring course led by Carol Jones (Director of Leading Women Education ) at my school. The aim of...
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Liz Murray
13 November 2018

Managing change as a SENCO

When planning and managing complex changes, the SENCO’s priority should be to cultivate a shared vision. Liz Murray offers some advice for getting staff on board. If you’ve worked in education for a while, you will know that responding to change is an important part of the job. Change can be great...
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Julia Watson
21 September 2018

7 ways to succeed as a school leader

Looking to refresh or improve your leadership skills this term? Julia Watson explains how you can raise the bar. The amount expected of a school leader has never been greater, with inordinate demands on time and resources distracting from the essence of the role. So how can you get off to a flying...
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Julia Watson
19 July 2018

How to detoxify your staffroom

A collection of dirty mugs is not the only sign that the vitality of your staffroom may be under threat. Julia Watson provides some tips for a healthier environment. A happy, healthy staffroom is at the heart of an effective team, providing safe haven, a place of camaraderie and connection. Sadly...
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Gareth D Morewood
15 May 2018

Establishing a model for SENCO supervision

Successful professional supervision of SENCOs will depend on the extent of collaboration and mutual support between supervisor and supervisee. Gareth D Morewood outlines his thoughts. In a previous post I made the case for SENCO supervision , looking closely at: managerial supervision, to refer to...
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Elizabeth Holmes
10 April 2018

Bouncing back from a disappointing inspection outcome

Your Ofsted inspection has come and gone, but the outcome wasn't what you'd hoped. What are the next steps? If social media is anything to go by, an Ofsted inspection remains a source of dread for those who work in schools. While much work has been done by Ofsted – and particularly its national...
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John Tomsett
22 March 2018

From vision to action: planning with coherence

Your plan for school development need not be the most unwieldy tome or a way to impress those who hold you to account. John Tomsett explains how you can focus on what matters. Less is more, always. School leaders invariably feel safe when we have lots of plans to demonstrate the efforts we are...
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John Tomsett
9 March 2018

From vision to action: choosing your school's values

Having defined a core purpose and vision for your school, the next step is to establish a set of shared values. John Tomsett explains how this can be done. 'Authentic values are those by which a life can be lived, which can form a people that produces great deeds and thoughts.' Allan Bloom In many...
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Gareth D Morewood
2 March 2018

Why we need more ethical SEND leaders

Knowing and doing what is right should be a SENCO's guiding principle, irrespective of outside pressure. Gareth Morewood makes the case for ethical leadership. As we professionals continue to struggle with the injustices of a system that seems to work well for very few young people and their...
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John Tomsett
28 February 2018

From vision to action: establishing a vision for your school

A clear and well-articulated vision will help all pupils and staff understand where the school is heading. John Tomsett describes the process of developing 'Vision 2018' at Huntington School. 'Create a compelling vision, one that takes people to a new place, and then translate that vision into a...
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