Hayley is Headteacher at Hobletts Manor Infants' and Nursery School. We asked her about her career so far.
As a headteacher, what are you looking for when recruiting new teachers?
I look for enthusiasm, energy and staff who are passionate about getting it right for children and their families.
Can you describe your journey into teaching (how did you qualify, what have been the key steps along the way)?
In the final year of my Ancient History degree, I decided to pursue a career in primary teaching and went on to complete a PGCE at the Institute of Education. During this time, I undertook placements in schools in Hackney – they were amazing places and I was delighted with my decision!
I then moved to Hertfordshire and was given so much support and many leadership opportunities in a three-form entry school; first through subject leadership, then middle leadership before taking on the role of deputy headteacher. This journey gave me the confidence and skills to take on my next role; an Early Years adviser for HFL Education. This was a fantastic experience, as I travelled to hundreds of schools across the county and met some brilliant Headteachers. They inspired me and made me think that headship could be a role I was interested in.
I took on the headship of a maintained nursery school. In my first year I was faced with a restructure and an international pandemic – what a learning curve! The next exciting move was to form a federation of three maintained nursery schools alongside an amazing Co-Headteacher. During this time we were supported and advised by a range of professionals including CEOs of established MATs, consultants from many devices at HFL.
I have since moved to headship at Hobletts Infant School. My time leading a federation and navigating complex challenges strengthened my belief in the importance of early education, collaboration, and developing a strong school culture. Moving to Hobletts has allowed me to bring my experience from both system leadership and early years into a vibrant infant school community.
What support do you get as a Headteacher in Hertfordshire?
I have received an enormous amount of support in Hertfordshire. HFL Education provide a number of services that have supported me in all aspects of leadership. Business services guided me every step of the way, through a restructure early in my leadership and with ongoing support developing my understanding of the business side of running a school. HR services provide sound advice in the complex world of people management, and the SEA programme has been fantastic throughout. Hertfordshire also has a number of incredibly supportive networks and consortia to join. Other Headteachers are amazingly generous with their time and advice, and have provided support throughout my time as a Head.
What support is available to staff at your school (from within the school or elsewhere)?
The greatest investment you can make is upskilling your staff team, so I am always looking out for a range of training / CPD opportunities. Paying into a Education Assistance Programme has been invaluable in recent years. I am always keen to embrace projects and collaborations with other schools and support networks where my staff can share their expertise with others.