National New and Acting Headteacher Development Programme
This programme has been designed to support New Headteachers to obtain the information they need to work effectively on a National and local basis along with providing individual development focusing on the knowledge and skills required to become a successful Headteacher.
It is designed to ensure that, wherever you are as a new Headteacher in Wales, you have access to the same high quality professional learning as your colleagues.
The programme is structured in three phases, taking place over a two-year period and requires a commitment of the equivalent of eight days during this time. Formal accreditation is available, and participants can opt for this.
Phase 1: pre-programme work including a formal handover and an individual ‘self-analysis’ against the Formal Leadership Standards.
Phase 2: Year 1 of headship. This will consist of a five-day development programme focusing on gaining the local information they need, and the knowledge and skills required to develop their school as a learning organisation.
Phase 3: Year 2 of headship. This is one day where participants will share with colleagues a particular aspect of school improvement they have undertaken and also how they are building capacity within their schools.
Key aspects of the delivery of the programme
It subscribes in its design to the National Approach to Professional Learning.
The content is based on the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership, Developing Schools in Wales as Learning Organisations and Education in Wales: Our National Mission
The duration of the programme and sequencing of learning activities is consistent across Wales
There are common expectations about the progress that will be made by participants and how this will impact on their leadership practice.
All activities undertaken as part of this programme are delivered in Welsh, English or bilingually.
Each candidate is allocated a Leadership Coach and membership of a peer group for support throughout the programme.
Application
The expectation is that the Programme will be completed by all New and Acting Headteachers across Wales, with access to the Programme from their first September in post. [Acting Headteachers are eligible if they are expected to be in post for at least two terms].
New and acting headteachers do not need to register, as Partneriaeth will receive the names of those eligible to follow the Programme via partner Local Authorities.
Co-ordinator for Partneriaeth
Rob Phillips
Hazel Faulkner