Supervision in Education
Supervision in Education
Until a few years ago, if you mentioned supervision within an education setting, thoughts would likely turn to lesson observations or sanctions given to pupils. There was unlikely to be any thought of ‘supervision’ as being a supportive relationship where you are encouraged to unpack and reflect upon the emotional impacts of your role.
Thankfully, over the last few years, there has been a growing interest in the use of reflective supervision (also known as non-managerial supervision), to support education staff. This planned time to reflect with the support of a trained professional supports individuals to buffer the stress of their roles, promotes positive wellbeing and builds resilience. We have recognised that education staff are dealing with more challenges than ever before: higher rates of SEND, mental health issues, retention of teaching staff, increasing social care thresholds, ever climbing numbers of safeguarding disclosures…
The list could go on! And that’s not to mention that during the Covid-19 pandemic, you had school leaders suddenly having to make decisions about the health, and even lives of their staff as guidance changed on a weekly basis! Is it any wonder that people are feeling the impact?
Supervision in Challenging Circumstances
Supervision is not a model which implies deficit in either the individual or the education setting. It’s a recognition that these roles are demanding and often emotionally taxing, and that we want to support the individual to stay psychologically well because they are valued, both by the organisation and by the children they support.
You make seek additional supervision in challenging circumstances, but supervision is not just for when there is a problem. Supervision should be a planned, protected, regular space for you to get open and honest, to celebrate your achievements, but also to bring and reflect upon your challenges and how they’re impacting you.
By utilising regular supervision, you can prevent burnout, compassion fatigue and reactivity. It can promote resilience and increase your resources, both professionally and personally. To see more general information about Reflective Supervision and its functions please have a look at our Reflective Supervision for organisations.
Want to learn more about how supervision can support within your setting? Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation chat.
Who is Supervision for?
Supervision can be useful for many roles in education, including:
- Headteachers & SLT
- Designated Safeguarding Leads
- Designated Teachers for Looked After Children
- SENDCo / ALNCo
- Those with pastoral or safeguarding responsibilities (such as family support workers, head of house, learning mentors)
- School Business Managers
- Specialist Teaching Assistants
- Early Careers Teachers
A Note to Heads/Senior Leaders
Decisions about supervision in education are likely to come down to budget, so you should consider where the input could be most beneficial for your setting. I would strongly suggest considering supervision for yourself if you’re in a leadership role as it’s very easy to think “I’ll be OK, they should have the opportunity”. Please don’t underestimate being the one responsible to OFSTED, your trust or LA. Often the higher an individual progresses in terms of leadership, the more isolating a role can be. A safe space can be vital to keep you as the leader you want to be.
Want to learn more about how supervision can support within your setting? Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation chat.
Confidentiality & Safeguarding
Supervision sessions are by their nature, a confidential space. However, there are some exceptions to this, including child protection concerns. All discussions will remain completely confidential except for the following:
- A safeguarding concern about a child/young person or vulnerable adult.
- A serious mental health concern.
- Breaches of professional conduct
- Illegal activity
- Risk to self or others
All disclosure will be treated with a high level of discretion, and where appropriate and possible the individual will be involved in reporting the disclosure to the relevant parties.
Want to learn more about how supervision can support within your setting? Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation chat.
Investment
Supervision sessions start at…
Sessions can be offered online or in-person (depending on location).
The time/space should be protected and free from interruptions except for emergencies. Ideally the staff member would be off-site where possible to ensure this.
I am also able to offer supervision within small groups of up to 5 people within your setting. Prices to be agreed.
Supervision should take place at least half-termly for education staff. If you have another arrangement in mind, please contact me to discuss the practicalities of this and whether it is something I can support with.
If you are looking for a supervision package for multiple team members, please contact me to discuss your needs and the associated investment for this.