Kelly Carter (LftM Programme Co-ordinator) |
Application round for Cohort 12 will open on
1st December and close on 16th January 2009
Information Sessions now available
Leading from the Middle is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious and challenging programmes of support and training ever to have entered the education arena.
The programme and who it's for
The programme for emergent leaders is titled: Leading from the Middle (LftM). It is aimed at an extensive group of school leaders from primary, special and secondary schools including subject leaders, cross-curricular co-ordinators and those with pastoral and special needs responsibilities.
Key Features of Leading from the Middle
What's different about LftM?
Programme Structure
Application Process & cost
I am on the programme and need some help
See LftM in Action
Key features of the programme:
Central concepts that underpin the LftM programme are:
- self-directed learners
- blended learning
- learning-centred leadership
- distributed leadership
- communities of learners
Central to the LftM programme is that of learning-centred leadership . This encourages middle leaders to see themselves as having a role not just in leading the learning of their pupils, but also in influencing the quality of teaching in colleagues' classrooms and in leading professional learning as part of a school-wide learning community.
Bringing about this transformation in the perception of the middle leader role in school is that of blended learning . It is the underpinning concept for the programme's design and the leadership development activities within it. It incorporates a complementary mixture of e-learning (using the online Learn-to-Lead materials and accessing the exciting Virtual School) face-to-face training and interaction and self-directed study. The latter is of particular importance. Enquiry-based leadership is explored through making use of the online diagnostic tool and creating a 'leadership focus' which aims to bring about changes in leadership behaviour which will, in turn, change the behaviour of others particularly around the issue of coping with change. By working with colleagues within their school community, participants can develop an enquiry-based approach to their work.
Recent research commissioned by the NCSL pointed to the importance of an investment in distributed leadership and, in particular, the active engagement of middle leaders in developing schools. In this way emergent leaders are recognised as having a significant contribution to make to sustaining school improvement. Indeed it is likely that distributed leadership will have a significant impact on the success of the Transforming the School Workforce agenda. Many headteachers have already realised the advantages of building an energetic, empowered team of middle leaders in their schools who in turn will create their own highly motivated and effective teams.
Networked learning, through a community of learners , is strongly encouraged within the programme's design with possibilities for within school and between school learning both during the period of the programme itself and when communicating the outcomes of the 'leadership focus' at the end of the programme.
What's different about LftM?
The LftM programme emphasises the importance of schools 'doing it for themselves'. In other words, it is the school that takes on the responsibility of ensuring that training opportunities are taken up, networks within and across schools are encouraged and most importantly of all - that the middle leaders are supported in their work in school by a member of the senior management team: designated the Leadership Coach. The latter's role is crucial to the success of the programme.
Programme Structure
How much time will be spent out of school?
You will see from the information below depending on what role you have to how much time is spent out of school over the 9 month period of the programme.
Leadership Coach Conference (Leadership coaches only)
12:30-5:00
Facilitators and leadership coaches meet to discuss the principles, skills and characteristics of effective coaching in relation to the programme. The programme outline and expectations of coaches, participants and facilitators as well as on-line requirements are clarified.
Induction (Leadership coaches & Middle Leaders)
4-7pm
Middle leaders, leadership coaches and facilitators share their understanding of the programme. A key element of the session is an on-line demonstration with a focus on the compulsory elements including the diagnostic tool.
Middle Leader Day 1 (Middle Leaders only)
9am-5pm
Middle leaders meet to consider the outcomes of their personal diagnostic report and begin to identify their personal priorities for development working alongside colleagues using a coaching approach.
Leadership Coach Twilight (Leadership coaches only)
4-7pm
Leadership coaches pause for thought and consider how effective their coaching have been in schools as well as preparing for a structured coaching session based on the inter-sessional task ‘Viewpoints on Style’.
Middle Leader Day 2 (Middle Leaders only)
9am-5pm
During the morning middle leaders consider the implications of their personal style having completed Viewpoints on Style questionnaire on line. During the day participants identify their leadership focus, a key element of their learning journey.
Middle Leader Day 3 (Middle Leaders only)
9am-5pm
The impact and potential of teams is considered in detail as middle leaders identify ways of improving team performance and developing the capacity of the individuals within their team. Middle leaders reflect upon their on-line learning and the impact of the face to face sessions. Prior to the celebration event middle leaders return to their diagnostic to check their personal progress.
Celebration (Leadership coaches & Middle Leaders)
4-7pm
Middle leaders share their learning with fellow participants, leadership coaches and guests through a ten minute ‘presentation/learning conversation’. Successful middle leaders are presented with their certificates. A wonderful celebratory event!
In summary Middle Leaders will need 3 full days out of school and attend a further 2 twilight sessions.
Leadership Coaches have half a day out of school and need to attend a further 3 twilight sessions.
Application Process
Is there an eligibility process?
There is no eligibility process for Leading from the Middle. The only factor that will affect you getting a place will be if you do not apply quickly when the window of application opens as places are limited and work on a first come first served basis.
How many teachers do I need from my school to be able to participate in the programme?
There must be at least 2 and no more than 4 middle leaders and a Leadership Coach from your school.
However it is possible for the middle leaders to be from different schools in a similar location or cluster to insure you have the minimum number. If schools choose to collaborate one school needs to take responsibility to organise this. Once you have found another middle leader to participate in the programme with you then a decision needs to be made as to which school will provide the Leadership Coach.
When can I apply?
The application round is due to open on 1st December 2008 and close on 16th January 2009 @ noon for the April 2009 start (Cohort 12).
Who makes the application?
The Leadership Coach applies on behalf of themselves and their Middle leaders even if the leaders are drawn from two or more schools. The application is a group application steered by the Leadership Coach.
What information do I need to apply?
Before you even start to make your application the Leadership Coaches will need the following information for themselves and their Middle Leaders;
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Personal Dfes number
- Personal e-mail address (not the school office e-mail address)
- Address (school address is fine)
- Preferred contact phone number
- School’s full address
- School’s phone number
- School’s establishment and Dfes number
- Any disabilities (this is optional)
- Nationality of participants
How do I find the online application form?
The application process form and process has now changed. The changes will be put on this page shortly.
How much does the programme cost?
The cost of the programme is £480 per middle leader, with no charge for Leadership Coaches.
If you are a small school (under 100 pupils not including under 5s) then you will be eligible for full subsidy.
If you are from an Independent School the fee is £1200 per middle leader
Please click here to see if your school is classed as Independent in the
Establishment glossary
What happens now I have applied?
Once you have made your application complete then you will receive an e-mail from NCSL telling you that you will hear in time from us at SELT. You will hear approximately 2 weeks after the closing date of the application round if you were successful in getting onto the programme or will have to wait until the next Cohort.
If during the application process you have any additional questions or queries please contact Kelly on 01732 520649 or click here 
I am on the programme and need some help
Who do I contact if I have a technical problem with the NCSL Learning Gateway?
NCSL helpdesk – 0845 609 0009
This service operates from 8am – 9pm, Monday to Friday
Who do I contact if I need to change any of my personal details?
Please e-mail NCSL.support@bt.com
Who do I contact if?
- I need to make a substitution or withdrawal of a member of my team
- I cannot make one of my sessions and need to make alternative arrangements
- If I have any special dietary requirements
Contact Kelly Carter at the SELT office - see contact number below or click on the arrow to e-mail
When contacting the SELT office please make sure you are aware of your Cohort and group number. This can be found on top of your group sheet (the information sheet sent to you in within your welcome pack with all your dates and venue).
| See LftM in Action |
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For further information contact
Kelly Carter
Direct line - 01732 520649 |
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