School to School Support
Thinking you would like to become an LLE or SLE. Please email Claire Rivers on head@st-marks.e-sussex.sch.uk for LLE information and future assessment days.
National Leaders of Education (NLE)
National leaders of education (NLEs) are strong school leaders, who have experience of effectively supporting schools in challenging circumstances. NLEs work alongside teaching schools and other system leaders to provide high quality support to those who need it most.
Local Leaders of Education (LLE)
Local leaders of education (LLEs) have made and continue to make a significant contribution to supporting schools since the programme was introduced in 2008. LLEs provide a range of school-to-school support and coaching and mentoring for head teachers.
Claire Rivers
I have worked in primary education for 45 years in both large town schools and rural settings, retiring as headteacher of a church school in July, 2019. I was designated as a National Leader of Learning in May, 2016, and undertook that role until my retirement from headship last July, resuming my previous role as a Local Leader of Learning. I have experience of working with schools in Special Measures and those that Require Improvement. I believe that all schools have strengths and it is important to acknowledge and build on those skills. It is then that, in an atmosphere of trust and honesty, schools can be supported through coaching, modelling and other strategies, to develop and address the areas that need improvement.
My teaching experience is from Reception to Year 6, and I retained a teaching role throughout my headship. I do believe that if the Early Years can provide a high quality of opportunity for children to learn and grow this will provide an excellent basis from which they can thrive in future years. I am an Early Years moderator for the Local Authority and lead a local PHSE Hub and RE Network. I am a great advocate of a broad and balanced curriculum which I feel offers enrichment and a meaningful, and purposeful, way in which children can learn.
My role is as the Teaching School Director of the St Mark’s Teaching School Alliance, and we always endeavour to help and support schools wherever possible. I chair the East Sussex TSA Network and Sussex TSA Network, believing passionately in collaboration. I facilitate the NPQML and NPQSL courses run by St Mark's and as a Leadership Colab governor I have supported the Institute of Education/UCL in developing their latest leadership modules.
I am a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and lead the St Mark's Chartered College of Teaching local network. I have been a mentor on the Chartered Teacher programme for two years.
I have a range of experience in coaching and I have also pledged to coach any women, without charge, that have an interest in leadership roles, whether that be early leadership, middle leadership, senior leadership or headship. This also includes women working in administrative and financial roles or support staff.
Mrs Margaret Coleman,
Mrs Coleman is the iHeadteacher of Manor CP SChool, Chair of the Uckfield Town Schools Allaince, Co-Chair of the Wealden EIP and a Local Leader of Learning for the St Mark's TSA.
National Leaders of Governance (NLG)
Jenny Dudgeon
In January 2014 I became a National Leader of Governance. In this role I coach and mentor other chairs of governors whether they are new to the role or just need some support over particular issues like re-constitution, helping engage members of the governing body, understanding data or establishing a good relationship with the Headteacher. I often provide support to chairs of governors and governing bodies on a wide range of topics and carry out External Reviews of Governance which feature in recommendations from Ofsted inspections. I also deliver training to governors and whole governing bodies. I like to work alongside chairs so that we can improve outcomes for everyone together.
NLGs form part of the school-to-school networks and support that now exist and focus on developing the leadership capacity of the governing body.
Before having our two sons, I was a Head of Music in a local secondary school and I feel that this has given me a great insight into the role of a governor. The relationship between the chair and the Headteacher is crucial as well as understanding data, the SEF and SDP. I am currently chair of Netherfield CEP School which is a small rural primary school near Battle.
As a NLG I am independent and although I sometimes work for the LA or Diocese, I can be approached independently which means that any feedback or reports are confidential to the governing body.
I am friendly and easy to work with so please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like any more information.
Jenny Dudgeon: dudgeonjenny@gmail.com
07748 701897