On 14 January, we delivered the first module – The Power of Belonging – of our ambitious Leaders in LAAT: A Blueprint for Excellence career pathway strategy. This module, set the stage for building authentic connections and fostering an inclusive culture within our schools. We explored the vital role belonging plays in creating environments where staff and students thrive. It emphasised the importance of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose in achieving educational excellence. Participants engaged in reflective coaching sessions and dynamic group discussions, which provided practical tools to build strong relationships and align their leadership vision with LAAT’s values.
We were thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive feedback, which highlighted the immediate impact of this programme on leadership development: One team member commented, “The coaching session allowed me time to reflect on the materials from the day and understand how they will impact my leadership.” Another stated, “There was a Good discussion about the qualities required to be a leader, which could develop into what skills are needed to make the best of those qualities in each person.”
Launched at the end of last year, the Leaders in LAAT development programme is designed to support current leaders and nurture future leadership talent; equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in their roles and create transformative change in education
A Vision for Leadership Excellence
Our Blueprint for Excellence Programme is structured to address the needs of current, new, and aspiring leaders, ensuring a robust pipeline of talented individuals ready to guide our schools toward a bright future. The programme also aligns with staff feedback, highlighting the need for clearer leadership pathways and greater development opportunities for middle leaders.
Upcoming Modules
There are five further modules in the programme which will be delivered throughout this academic year:
- Leadership Blueprint: Authentic Behaviours That Define Great Leaders
- Shaping the Future for the Next Generation
- Vision to Victory: Strategic Steps to School Improvement
- Beyond Compliance: Creating a Culture of Safety
- Building the Future of Our Schools: Creating a Legacy of Excellence
LAAT CEO Jackie Waters-Dewhurst commented, “At LAAT, we know that great leadership is at the heart of great schools, and our Blueprint for Excellence programme is about helping our current and future leaders grow and thrive. The first module, The Power of Belonging, has set the tone for the journey ahead—highlighting the importance of connection, trust, and collaboration in building schools where staff and students can flourish. The feedback has been fantastic, and it’s been wonderful to see how much participants have taken away from this session. I’m excited to see how this programme will continue to inspire and develop our leaders as we work together to shape the future of education in our Trust.”
