"You - you've got me? Who's got you?" – the vital role of supervision for school leaders
You might be old enough to remember this iconic phrase from the 1978 film ‘Superman’. During his first rescue of Lois Lane, she is shocked to be saved by this flying superhero and they have this exchange…
This is very reminiscent of the roles that our superhero senior leaders play. They are often working minor miracles daily, juggling a myriad of responsibilities, from ensuring high-quality teaching and learning to managing budgets, safeguarding children, and fostering positive relationships with the community. As Lois Lane points out, “Who’s got you?” Joking aside, we need to think seriously about who is supporting our headteachers and senior leaders.
The answer to this question may well lie in effective supervision. A space in which leaders can receive the support, guidance and reflection they need to navigate the complexities of their roles. In the context of experienced school leaders, supervision should be viewed as an essential collaborative, supportive, and developmental process. Its importance cannot be overstated.
Why is supervision crucial for school leaders?
What Does Effective Supervision Look Like?
Effective supervision for primary school leaders should be:
Investing in Leadership Support
In a climate of increasing accountability and pressure, it is essential that we invest in the wellbeing and professional development of our primary school leaders. Effective supervision is not a luxury, but a necessity. By providing our leaders with the support they need, we can empower them to create thriving schools where every child can succeed.
So please think about your superhero senior leaders, they are holding Lois Lane up, but who is holding them up?!
If you want to talk about supervision for anyone in your team, please contact us: nania.poulson@vnetcic.com
