Why did you choose CofE as a provider?

I picked the church of England as a provider for my NPQH because I work in a church of England school. We have a strong emphasis on values, respect, love, supporting one another and the ethos is something I really believe in and I wanted to work with a provider where it felt safe, where I was able to express my own views but be supported in moving my own learning and development forward. 

What’s been the best thing about your NPQ so far

The best thing about my NPQH has most definitely been being exposed to a number of people, that are at similar levels in terms of their career to me. However, in really different settings and environments, sharing experiences and seeking advice, the support that we received and in what had felt like a really safe space has made me feel like I’m not alone and I think that’s really helped me to grow within myself and my role.

What Impact is the NPQ making on your role?

Due to the evidence-based research that we have been provided within our NPQH, it has allowed me to develop my own knowledge, my own understanding, but then thereafter implement that. Choose the bits that I want to choose to really focus on because there is a lot of information that is shared and gaps that I feel there are within my school that I want to improve and really implement them within my school to ensure that I am making a difference, improving, bettering myself. So expanding my knowledge, putting it into practice and it being based on evidence. 

What message would you give someone considering an NPQ with CofE?

I would say if you are considering doing an NPQH or any sort of NPQ with the CofE its an absolute no-brainer. I think the support I have received has been phenomenal. The values, the ethos, its there through the training that we receive and in particular the way in which it is delivered, I really buy into it because I believe in those values; of that love, that integrity, that caring support that we are surrounded with. 

How have you found the practice coaching element of your NPQ?

So we’re really lucky to receive practice coaching and I think that what helps within that, it’s quite specific to what you’re thinking about in your school. So it’s within a group which again is great because you get support from other people and you receive views not just from the person that is coaching you, but it’s a collective group approach and you hear about other scenarios and you can offer your experience and support as well. But it really helps you to tailor what you want to change, what you want to improve within your particular setting.