Gwen’s story: professional supervision changed my life 

I’ve worked in the education sector for over 20 years, initially supporting adults with additional needs, before moving into primary schools working with pupils with additional needs, which sparked my teaching career.  

I already knew about Education Support as I used your peer support groups during covid and had a really good experience. So, when I saw the notice in a local authority newsletter that you were offering funded professional supervision in Wales I decided to go for it.   

Sometimes headship can be a lonely place, so it was nice to carve out time with someone who understood what I go through each day, who is impartial and isn’t trying to fix any problems, but help me find solutions to challenges at my own pace. 

I’m not being dramatic when I say professional supervision with Education Support changed my life. I’m in a better place because of it, I feel more confident and I can’t recommend it enough. It helped me reflect and shine a spotlight on workplace challenges, clarifying my next steps and gave me permission to trust my instincts again.   

I started professional supervision just after an inspection (which had gone really well) but I was struggling to find joy and celebrate it. Supervision helped me find my joy again, through supportive conversations that didn’t feel pressured, but didn’t skirt around issues either and helped me unpick them.   

I encouraged our deputy head to sign up for professional supervision and it helped them reflect and better understand what they wanted for their future. My advice to anyone thinking of signing up for this service – don’t wait until you think you need it. The time is now. I know it’s not easy to carve out time in a busy school day, but it’s really important to prioritise yourself too. 

*Name changed to protect identity.  

Professional supervision in Wales – how does it work?

School leaders and line managers in Wales can sign up to receive six funded one-to-one professional supervision sessions by Zoom or telephone, which are completely confidential. The sessions give you a chance to think and reflect, to discuss who you are, how you are and what’s going on for you at work. While the sessions might sometimes touch on personal themes, the supervision work is about your job.

Sign up now – at no cost to you!

Processional supervision places in Wales are limited – follow this link to learn more and sign up now, at no cost to you!