As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing of school leaders across Gateshead, the Schools Health and Wellbeing Service (SHWS), within Gateshead Council, recently developed and administered a bespoke Head Teacher Wellbeing Survey. The findings highlighted a clear need for dedicated supervision support for our head teacher colleagues. In response, we launched a pilot supervision programme, initially involving 10 head teachers, and partnered with Talking Heads Ltd to deliver this vital support.
From the outset, Talking Heads have been exceptional collaborators. They have demonstrated unwavering professionalism, flexibility, and a genuine passion for supporting the wellbeing of educational professionals. Their team has guided us every step of the way—offering expert advice on supervision models, co-delivering an informative session for head teachers, and even contributing to the design of our programme evaluation. Communication has been seamless, and their human, empathetic approach has made them a pleasure to work with. What stands out most is how closely our values align. Talking Heads share our moral compass and commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of those who lead our schools. Their contribution has been instrumental in bringing this pilot to life, and we look forward to continuing our work together
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing of school leaders across Gateshead, the Schools Health and Wellbeing Service (SHWS), within Gateshead Council, recently developed and administered a bespoke Head Teacher Wellbeing Survey. The findings highlighted a clear need for dedicated supervision support for our head teacher colleagues. In response, we launched a pilot supervision programme, initially involving 10 head teachers, and partnered with Talking Heads Ltd to deliver this vital support.
From the outset, Talking Heads have been exceptional collaborators. They have demonstrated unwavering professionalism, flexibility, and a genuine passion for supporting the wellbeing of educational professionals. Their team has guided us every step of the way—offering expert advice on supervision models, co-delivering an informative session for head teachers, and even contributing to the design of our programme evaluation. Communication has been seamless, and their human, empathetic approach has made them a pleasure to work with. What stands out most is how closely our values align. Talking Heads share our moral compass and commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of those who lead our schools. Their contribution has been instrumental in bringing this pilot to life, and we look forward to continuing our work together
“Lisa has given me the structure and space to hear myself in the noisiest of times. The trust that has grown through our sessions together has made the daily challenges I face manageable to work through. It gives me time to pause, wonder and discuss which has supported me both professionally and personally. Supervision is a vital part of my Headship and makes such a remarkable impact on all that I do and am.”
I feel passionately that supervision is essential for senior leaders in schools. We constantly hold so much in our heads and are expected to be all things to all people when they need it. It is important that we have a confidential opportunity to give quality time to the issues that keep us awake night after night. Supervision has helped me to keep things in perspective and explore creative solutions to some of the problems where I haven’t been able to see the wood for the trees. I cannot recommend professional supervision highly enough.
“Lisa has given me the structure and space to hear myself in the noisiest of times. The trust that has grown through our sessions together has made the daily challenges I face manageable to work through. It gives me time to pause, wonder and discuss which has supported me both professionally and personally. Supervision is a vital part of my Headship and makes such a remarkable impact on all that I do and am.”
I feel passionately that supervision is essential for senior leaders in schools. We constantly hold so much in our heads and are expected to be all things to all people when they need it. It is important that we have a confidential opportunity to give quality time to the issues that keep us awake night after night. Supervision has helped me to keep things in perspective and explore creative solutions to some of the problems where I haven’t been able to see the wood for the trees. I cannot recommend professional supervision highly enough.
“I am approaching the 2 year anniversary of my first supervision session with Gloria. In that time I have brought a range of challenges, that I have faced in both my professional and personal life, to our meetings. Gloria has provided a quiet and reflective environment which has permitted me to discuss my concerns in a sensitive and considerate way. Generally I do not consider myself a ‘sharer’ so the way that Gloria has helped me to unwrap my thoughts and organise them is distinctly to her credit. This process has always provided just the right balance between listening, questioning and challenging as she has expertly allowed me to clarify my ideas and worries and frame them in a practical manner. I leave every meeting, astonished at her ability to empathise with every possible situation and to gently guide my thoughts towards practical responses. The situation I am working through at the moment is especially challenging and has prompted me to write this statement, to thank Gloria for her wisdom and in the hope that other professionals take up similar opportunities for supervision if they get the chance.”
“I am approaching the 2 year anniversary of my first supervision session with Gloria. In that time I have brought a range of challenges, that I have faced in both my professional and personal life, to our meetings. Gloria has provided a quiet and reflective environment which has permitted me to discuss my concerns in a sensitive and considerate way. Generally I do not consider myself a ‘sharer’ so the way that Gloria has helped me to unwrap my thoughts and organise them is distinctly to her credit. This process has always provided just the right balance between listening, questioning and challenging as she has expertly allowed me to clarify my ideas and worries and frame them in a practical manner. I leave every meeting, astonished at her ability to empathise with every possible situation and to gently guide my thoughts towards practical responses. The situation I am working through at the moment is especially challenging and has prompted me to write this statement, to thank Gloria for her wisdom and in the hope that other professionals take up similar opportunities for supervision if they get the chance.”
Thoughts on clinical supervision…. Entering into it for the first time I struggled to understand how it would be different from leadership coaching…. It is different. For the first time last month, during a particularly stressful time, I looked for when the next session was in my diary. Being supervised effectively gives emotional support just by knowing you have a session coming up when you will have an opportunity to share. With a good supervisor, it is comforting to hear the issues you bring are common among leaders of schools and my emotional response is rational to the situation I find myself in. Kind regards Pete
Supervision with Penny has allowed me essential space and time to regularly reflect upon and improve my practice in the mental health field. Penny has consistently provided a safe and comfortable environment which has allowed me to be develop my reflective skills on day-to-day dilemmas as well as wider considerations regarding my role. Penny always manages to bring the right amount of humour, transparency and gentle challenge to enable me to think critically and laterally about my experiences and improve upon my practice. Penny took the time to get to know me and the way that I think, practice and learn, and this was invaluable in building an effective working relationship. I am very grateful to Penny for all of her support and highly recommend her to other professionals looking for reflective supervision opportunities.
Thoughts on clinical supervision…. Entering into it for the first time I struggled to understand how it would be different from leadership coaching…. It is different. For the first time last month, during a particularly stressful time, I looked for when the next session was in my diary. Being supervised effectively gives emotional support just by knowing you have a session coming up when you will have an opportunity to share. With a good supervisor, it is comforting to hear the issues you bring are common among leaders of schools and my emotional response is rational to the situation I find myself in. Kind regards Pete
Supervision with Penny has allowed me essential space and time to regularly reflect upon and improve my practice in the mental health field. Penny has consistently provided a safe and comfortable environment which has allowed me to be develop my reflective skills on day-to-day dilemmas as well as wider considerations regarding my role. Penny always manages to bring the right amount of humour, transparency and gentle challenge to enable me to think critically and laterally about my experiences and improve upon my practice. Penny took the time to get to know me and the way that I think, practice and learn, and this was invaluable in building an effective working relationship. I am very grateful to Penny for all of her support and highly recommend her to other professionals looking for reflective supervision opportunities.
Our partnership with Talking Heads over recent years has allowed both the College and Prep School to strengthen our supervision provision to those staff on the front lines of safeguarding. Talking Heads delivers comprehensive training to develop in-house supervision capacity, creating a sustainable model where all pastoral and safeguarding leaders receive regular professional supervision throughout the academic year. This collaborative framework not only strengthens safeguarding practices but also builds resilience among staff dealing with complex student welfare issues, ultimately enhancing the school’s ability to support both staff and students effectively
Our partnership with Talking Heads over recent years has allowed both the College and Prep School to strengthen our supervision provision to those staff on the front lines of safeguarding. Talking Heads delivers comprehensive training to develop in-house supervision capacity, creating a sustainable model where all pastoral and safeguarding leaders receive regular professional supervision throughout the academic year. This collaborative framework not only strengthens safeguarding practices but also builds resilience among staff dealing with complex student welfare issues, ultimately enhancing the school’s ability to support both staff and students effectively
We talk differently together; problem solve more effectively and are better able to offer supportive challenge to each other. The impact of this on children is tangible. Children’s needs are better understood and met, we can offer more robust challenge to other agencies when needed and outcomes for our most vulnerable children are therefore improved. Supervision supports us all in just being able to continue to keep showing up to do one of the most challenging of jobs.
I went into supervision with some scepticism because I didn’t know how it was going to work out. I remember sharing the story of a violent encounter with a parent and I thought I was talking about this in quite a nonchalant way. It was pointed out to me by the supervisor that I was actually shaking and I was unaware of it. That was my first taste of the potential and the power of supervision.
We talk differently together; problem solve more effectively and are better able to offer supportive challenge to each other. The impact of this on children is tangible. Children’s needs are better understood and met, we can offer more robust challenge to other agencies when needed and outcomes for our most vulnerable children are therefore improved. Supervision supports us all in just being able to continue to keep showing up to do one of the most challenging of jobs.
I went into supervision with some scepticism because I didn’t know how it was going to work out. I remember sharing the story of a violent encounter with a parent and I thought I was talking about this in quite a nonchalant way. It was pointed out to me by the supervisor that I was actually shaking and I was unaware of it. That was my first taste of the potential and the power of supervision.
Our Trust began to use Talking Heads Supervision after the pandemic. It was something I felt we had a responsibility to provide to meet our duty of care to Head Teachers and senior leaders in our Trust. I didn’t feel that I needed supervision myself, but felt I should lead by example.
During the last few years, I have found supervision sessions with Lisa extremely helpful. She has encouraged me to reflect, which is something I don’t naturally do. This has helped me talk through difficult decisions, manage my emotions and plan for change.
Most recently she has been an incredible support in preparing me for the end of my career. I have really appreciated her support and challenge in being kind to myself and to allow myself to appreciate the words and messages from colleagues and friends. It has been a lovely ending!
Thank you to Lisa and her team for guiding and supporting us all through the school year.
Our Trust began to use Talking Heads Supervision after the pandemic. It was something I felt we had a responsibility to provide to meet our duty of care to Head Teachers and senior leaders in our Trust. I didn’t feel that I needed supervision myself, but felt I should lead by example.
During the last few years, I have found supervision sessions with Lisa extremely helpful. She has encouraged me to reflect, which is something I don’t naturally do. This has helped me talk through difficult decisions, manage my emotions and plan for change.
Most recently she has been an incredible support in preparing me for the end of my career. I have really appreciated her support and challenge in being kind to myself and to allow myself to appreciate the words and messages from colleagues and friends. It has been a lovely ending!
Thank you to Lisa and her team for guiding and supporting us all through the school year.
Launa: I asked a school leader to summarise in 3 words a working day.
“Busy, varied & problem solving.”
Launa: So………what is the impact of Talking Heads?
“Thinking Reflective Enabling”
Launa: This is beyond valuable.
Supervision is a time A moment A space; A reflective tool- A time, A place. Somewhere to sit To feel To get clear; Or give questions and thoughts To be heard- And to hear. To emotionally catch And be caught…. Where you are; Knowing your supervisor holds you safe In their heart … Giving you more time to gift And to make: And to be the best you Through every corner Lifework takes.
Launa: I asked a school leader to summarise in 3 words a working day.
“Busy, varied & problem solving.”
Launa: So………what is the impact of Talking Heads?
“Thinking Reflective Enabling”
Launa: This is beyond valuable.
Supervision is a time A moment A space; A reflective tool- A time, A place. Somewhere to sit To feel To get clear; Or give questions and thoughts To be heard- And to hear. To emotionally catch And be caught…. Where you are; Knowing your supervisor holds you safe In their heart … Giving you more time to gift And to make: And to be the best you Through every corner Lifework takes.
Lisa’s role in providing quality assurance oversight of our professional supervision service has been integral to its quality, and the positive outcomes we are seeing for school and college leaders. Working with Lisa, and the team at Talking Heads Supervision, is a joy. Our shared purpose for delivering high quality supervision, along with our reciprocal approach to remaining curious and continuous learning, remains the foundation for our work together. We look forward to working with Lisa, and Talking Heads Supervision, to continue this important work.
Lisa’s role in providing quality assurance oversight of our professional supervision service has been integral to its quality, and the positive outcomes we are seeing for school and college leaders. Working with Lisa, and the team at Talking Heads Supervision, is a joy. Our shared purpose for delivering high quality supervision, along with our reciprocal approach to remaining curious and continuous learning, remains the foundation for our work together. We look forward to working with Lisa, and Talking Heads Supervision, to continue this important work.