Andy is excited to be starting his new role as headteacher at Watling View Special School in
St Albans and lets us know about his journey to this point.
How did you start in teaching?
I initially undertook a degree in BA PE with QTS. I also led sports sessions for a local authority delivering multi sports to young people aged between 6 -18 with a variety of special educational needs and disabilities. It was here that I started to develop my passion for working with young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
What does your career pathway look like?
After university I gained a teaching position in a secondary special school. My first leadership role was a PE subject leader. I gained my next leadership promotion to become a senior teacher in charge of behaviour for learning in a 3 -19 all through special school. I then became assistant head responsible for personal development, wellbeing and behaviour.
What do you think the benefits are of progressing your career in Hertfordshire?
Being part of a special school in a county the size of Hertfordshire has a number of benefits. One main benefit has been that in my role as deputy head I was part of a number of meetings with other deputies from schools for pupils with severe learning difficulties. This enabled best practice to be shared across the county and professional strategic discussions to be conducted on the key issues
facing special schools.
What support and development have you experienced?
I have recently been appointed as headteacher at Watling View. I am excited to start this next phase in my career and to undertake this in a Hertfordshire school. I am just about to start an induction programme for new headteachers and have been allocated an experienced headteacher to support me through my first year of headship.
Throughout my career I have been very fortunate in that I have had senior leaders who both supported and challenged my thinking in applying change. They empowered me and gave me confidence to become a successful leader.