The Objective
Net.Mentor
was initially commissioned to run a leadership prioritisation workshop
for Bristol’s SEN Head Teachers in June 2003. This
followed a conference involving all of Bristol’s Head Teachers,
led by US Education Leadership expert Michael Fullan.
The SEN Heads felt that Fullan’s work around Professional
Learning Communities and leadership development was a strong model
that could work well in bringing Bristol’s Special Schools
closer together, sharing best practice and helping to drive SEN
policy in the region and possibly beyond.
The Outcome
Net.Mentor’s Peter Brill led the initial workshop
which identified and prioritised a number of leadership issues and
ambitions for the group. After a couple of further meetings,
the group was re-named LIAISE (Leadership In Action In Special Education)
and Peter has continued to facilitate and co-ordinate the resulting
organisation.
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In less than a year, LIAISE has developed information and best
practice sharing along the lines of a Networked/Professional Learning
Community – including setting up a “Skills Register”. It
has also worked hard to enhance and foster a proactive, positive
relationship between SEN schools and the region’s Education
policy makers and Officers.
David Hussey, Chairman of LIAISE adds: “I am delighted
with the progress of LIAISE in such a short time and the trust,
skill sharing and transparency it has engendered amongst the SEN
Heads. Net.Mentor, and Peter in particular, has played a
crucial role in maintaining the group’s focus, stimulating
constructive and dynamic debate and in reducing the administrative
burden of running LIAISE.” |
