Challenge and support: what it means
Challenge and support are intertwined. It’s about pushing for improvement and setting aspirational targets, and then supporting leaders to achieve them.
In a nutshell you'll:
- Challenge your school leaders by asking hard questions to hold them to account. This is a key part of your role, and your leaders will be expecting it
- But you should challenge them on what they’re doing in their role, rather than them as individuals – don’t make it personal
- Support your leaders by asking what the problems are and what they need to succeed, then really listen to them and do all you can to get that support in place
How to challenge
Challenge involves asking questions, but it shouldn't feel like an interrogation. Think carefully about:
For example, if your school appears to be doing exceptionally