Reflections on my role as Interim Deputy Headteacher 2024

Below is a copy of a thread I posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday 29 June 2024 reflecting on my interim role as Deputy Headteacher.

As I near the end the of my role as Maternity Cover Deputy Headteacher, I’m reflecting on what I’ve learned and achieved. I’ve led on Curriculum, Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development. It’s been challenging but really rewarding.

1. To promote positive behaviour in corridors and classrooms, leaders need to provide clarity and then role model by being Visible, Interactive and Proactive (VIPs). Whole school behaviour is a team effort and we need nudge norms that reward behaviours aligned to school vision.

2. Support staff to use effective strategies from the classroom in corridors too. Behaviour and T&L are connected by routines. Remind staff about strategies like Be Seen Looking, Positive Framing and Choice and Consequences as tools they can use in corridors.

3. Ensure everyone is clear about consequences by over communicating rewards and sanctions. Once there’s clarity, ensure consistency in implementation. Teachers and leaders must follow up swiftly and appropriately to build trust and ‘boost buy-in’, a term from ‘Motivated Teaching’ by Peps Mccrea.

1. I did this with a new ‘No Devices, No Distractions’ policy. At the beginning,we had lots of Ss in community service for mobile phone use and now we don’t. Some staff say they now find it easier to challenge Ss on it bcos everyone is clear about expectations and consequences.

1. As with everything, there is a middle path. Effective behaviour management is about building effective relationships and a culture of trust. We need to support Ss who struggle but support doesn’t mean lack of consequences. We have a huge pastoral team who mentor and coach.

2. We have behaviour support workers internally who mentor vulnerable students but we also work with the borough and external agencies like Ayo Awotona from Joy Uplifts to support students who need bespoke support. For me, high support and high challenge are key.

3. There’s so much more I have learned that has really challenged me to think differently which I’ll share over the next few weeks. Thanks for staying with this thread and have a lovely weekend.