Tim’s story: embracing professional supervision as a headteacher

With 28 years in primary education, I have always prioritised the wellbeing of my staff and students. However, headteachers are often left isolated, with limited avenues provided within the system for professional support. I first learned about professional supervision through discussions in team meetings and from a colleague in my cluster who had found the sessions beneficial.

Initially, I was surprised by how much I needed it, despite being adept at supporting my team, I realised I hadn’t been giving myself enough permission to do the same. During a stressful period of inspections, I noticed that issues which typically wouldn't bother me were now sources of anxiety.

I am now half-way through my professional supervision sessions. Committing to these sessions, including follow-up time, has been extremely helpful in managing stress and maintaining my mental health. The sessions are providing a dedicated space to reflect, process challenges and receive guidance from a trained professional.

The sessions also enhanced my self-awareness and affirmed my capabilities and addressed feelings of imposter syndrome, helping me realise that I do have the answers when given the time to reflect! It’s also helped me recognise the importance taking care of myself (not just my colleagues and students) and I’ve began integrating reflection time into my weekly schedule, moving away from the 'martyr' mentality those of us in education can sometimes subscribe to if we’re not careful. Now I’m putting myself first, because - as I regularly tell my staff - mental health is as important as physical health.

This experience has really underscored the need for support tailored to leadership roles, as school leaders are often left alone to navigate complex challenges. I would 100% recommend Education Support’s professional supervision to fellow leaders, it is available at no cost to you or your school. The service offers significant benefits in navigating the challenges of educational leadership. It is also a valuable space for reflection, support and personal development lead by a trained supervisor, who clearly understands the sector and the unique challenges we face everyday.