Voicing Education

Consciously Educating

Grasping Governance

How do you challenge those that are comfortable?

Grasping Governance, Leadership

Being able to challenge others and ask questions leads to new thinking and growth.

This episode discusses the importance of respectful challenge and how governors can hold school leaders to account to ensure the best for outcomes for all pupils.

Carla is a remarkable guest whose journey into educational leadership and governance is as unique as it is inspiring.  She has navigated through various facets of the educational landscape, including setting up her own tutoring company. 

Carla’s trajectory is a testament to her unwavering commitment to educational excellence and inclusivity.

It’s trying to find the balance of how you challenge to show the school is performing and hold the leadership to account without overstepping the mark and being offensive.

Carla - How do you challenge those that are comfortable?

Carla

Company Director & Head of SEND Carla’s Classroom

For 15 years, Carla has worked in education; her route into teaching was unexpected and peculiar. She has been promoted within schools,  working her way from working in a school reprographic department, a cover supervisor, an unqualified teacher, to Head of Teaching and Learning.

Carla brings extensive experience to education, having worked in primary, secondary, private, and mainstream schools. Despite not holding a teaching qualification or degree, her dedication and expertise have made a significant impact in various educational settings. Carla, who is registered as disabled, has channeled her passion for teaching into establishing her own tutoring company, where she continues to positively influence pupils’ learning journeys.

Carla has since branched out and offers alternative education to school for children with SEND or SEMH needs, working with local councils and CAMHS.

In addition to this, Carla is the Chair of Governors of an Autistic COIN School for Boys.

Highlights:

  • 09:50  Challenge and support 
  • 20:35  The reality
  • 26:00  Balancing challenge and interest
  • 39:27  Governance as CPD
  • 47:27  Managing workload

Resources:

  • Carla’s Classroom

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How do you support schools with the financial strain?

Grasping Governance

In this conversation, we delve into the critical issue of financial strain in schools and its impact on governance.

From funding cuts to rising operational costs, the landscape of school finances is fraught with obstacles.

For the past 17 years, Benjamin has dedicated his time and expertise as a school governor, contributing to the development and success of the school within the community. His passion for education is reflected in his efforts to support and enhance the learning environment for pupils.

Morale does wonders…with good morale you are able to make good rational decisions, good outcomes.

Benjamin Agwunobi - How do you support schools with the financial strain?

Benjamin Agwunobi

Financial Advisor and School Governor

Benjamin Agwunobi is a seasoned independent financial advisor with a remarkable track record of success, boasting over three decades of experience in the financial services industry. As the founder of his own financial consulting firm, Equity Independent Finance, he has played a pivotal role in guiding individuals and businesses toward financial prosperity.

Since establishing his company more than 20 years ago, Benjamin has built a reputation for providing personalised and strategic financial advice. His client-centric approach involves understanding each client’s unique goals, risk tolerance, and financial aspirations, allowing him to tailor comprehensive financial plans that align with their specific needs.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Benjamin is deeply committed to community service and education. For the past 17 years, he has dedicated his time and expertise as a school governor, contributing to the development and success of the school within the community. His passion for education is reflected in his efforts to support and enhance the learning environment for pupils.

    Highlights:

    • 17:12  Prioritising 
    • 20:20  Balancing the budget
    • 22:05  Morale
    • 24:46  Commitment and time
    • 32:41  Demography and funding

    Resources:

    Have you left a review for Voicing Education – The Podcast?

    Each and every review really does make a difference. If you are enjoying the episodes, I’d just like to ask for you to share your appreciation.

    Please leave a review: 

    1. Head to voicingeducation-thepodcast/apple or search Voicing Education – The Podcast in Apple Podcasts. (This is easier to do on your phone.)
    2. Scroll down and click the 5-star rating.
    3. To show extra appreciation and support – please add a quick sentence (or two) to share what you enjoy about the show. 

    How do you become an effective school governor?

    Grasping Governance, Leadership

    In the first conversation of the Grasping Governance series, we delve into the realities of being a school governor. Miriam Sechere shares her remarkable journey into school governance and the educational landscape.

    Our discussion unravels the layers of governance and leadership, the significance of continuous learning and staying informed about evolving educational policies. 

    Miriam sheds light on the pivotal role that understanding a school’s vision, mission, and values plays in steering the course of being an effective school governor.

    A strong team is a diverse team.

    Miriam Sechere - How do you become an effective school governor?

    Miriam Sechere

    Leadership Coach and Education Consultant

    Miriam Sechere has worked in education for over 17 years, having served as a former Vice Principal of a large all through Academy. Now combining part time roles at a Local Authority as Head of Service for Education whilst also directing Sixth Gear, her coaching and consultancy business.

    With prior experience as a Chair of Governors, she remains committed to education. Miriam is also a creative force, and enjoys writing children’s books, spoken word and singing.

    Highlights:

    • 09:11  Journey into governance
    • 17:17  Alignment with values and governance
    • 21:37  Role of the Chair of Governors
    • 23:45  Layers of governance and leadership
    • 27:15  Team management
    • 31:11  Rules, boundaries and parameters
    • 37:52  Dealing with tragedy and challenges
    • 46:24  The role of resilience
    • 54:02  Continuous Improvement

    Resources:

    • Sixth Gear Coaching & Consultancy

    Have you left a review for Voicing Education – The Podcast?

    Each and every review really does make a difference. If you are enjoying the episodes, I’d just like to ask for you to share your appreciation.

    Please leave a review: 

    1. Head to voicingeducation-thepodcast/apple or search Voicing Education – The Podcast in Apple Podcasts. (This is easier to do on your phone.)
    2. Scroll down and click the 5-star rating.
    3. To show extra appreciation and support – please add a quick sentence (or two) to share what you enjoy about the show.