Reflective practice service for school staff
Reflective practice is a confidential and professional service that provides a space for school/ college leaders and those in the pastoral and well-being support teams to reflect on some of those most difficult aspects of their job, as well as some of the most rewarding. Studies show that it boosts job satisfaction and wellbeing, ultimately helping staff to stay in the profession they love, by reconnecting with why they do it.
Supervisors are trained and qualified to provide this specialised form of mentoring for those who undertake challenging work with people.
Supervision is not about being watched, controlled and judged but is about developing what Professor Peter Hawkins calls a ‘super form of vision’ which facilitates a fresh and deeper look at work experiences and both the positive and negative effects that they have on us, others and our work.
Supervision does not imply that the supervisee is ‘in deficit’ but recognises that teaching/leading schools is demanding work and that school staff are valuable and need to be looked after. Supervision can increase and replenish psychological resources, and is considered helpful in improving practice, enhancing wellbeing and reducing the likelihood of burnout and stress, including compassion stress injuries.
Supervision is a protected, collaborative space where individuals and teams meet with their facilitator to reflect on their practice. It allows staff to unpack complex cases, manage emotional fatigue, and build resilience without addressing managerial performance or accountability.
What are clinical supervisors?
Supervision is standard practice across many care and medical fields and makes a real difference to the lives and wellbeing of everyone. Studies show that supervision is associated with job satisfaction, improved emotional wellbeing and less burnout
(Dawson et al, 2013).
Supervision is not goal-oriented nor is it personal therapy. While it is highly supportive the supervisors goal is to improve . The value is in the exploration rather than the destination. It won’t fix the wider sector challenges you face, but it can give you a safety net while you meet them.
The Benefits
Reduces Burnout
Provides emotional validation and a safe outlet to offload the challenging student behaviours they have been dealing with.
Improves Problem-Solving
Pools collective wisdom to gain new perspectives on tricky safeguarding or pastoral issues.
Enhances Team Cohesion
Strengthens working relationships and ensures staff feel supported by their colleagues.
Valley Trust Supervisors are both qualified and experienced in providing this specialised form of mentoring for those who undertake challenging work with adults and children in the education space.
Studies show that good quality supervision boosts job satisfaction and wellbeing, ultimately helping staff to stay in the profession they love, by reconnecting with why they do it.
Individual
Meet one to one for an hour as scheduled; monthly, half termly etc.
Group
The group (max 4) will meet for two hours as scheduled: monthly, half termly etc.