Statutory use of leadership standards in the performance management of headteachers
This report is published in response to a request for advice from the Welsh Government in the Minster’s annual remit letter to Estyn 2014-2015 about the statutory use of leadership standards in the performance management of headteachers. This report is intended for the Welsh Government, governors, headteachers, senior leaders and staff in schools, local authorities and the regional consortia. This document links to the Estyn survey ‘Best practice in leadership development inschools’, published in June 2015. It may be of interest to parents and staff in other sectors and agencies who work with schools to improve the quality of leadership.
Recommendations
The Welsh Government should:
- R1 Revise the leadership standards to convey higher expectations of leaders and to focus more sharply on the leadership skills and behaviours needed to drive change
Appraisal panels should:
- R2 Set appropriate objectives that address leadership behaviours and how leaders undertake their role, as well as quantifiable outcomes
- R3 Record in detail, using the full range of the leadership standards, how well the headteacher has carried out their role, as well as reporting what the headteacher has achieved
Local authorities / regional consortia should:
- R4 Encourage headteachers to reflect holistically on the quality of their leadership using the themes set out in the leadership standards, and in line with the Individual Leadership Review guidance provided on the ‘Learning Wales’ website
- R5 Challenge the headteacher and governing body to ensure that there are appropriate opportunities for all staff to develop their leadership skills
Headteachers should:
- R6 Reflect in writing on how well they meet the wider range of leadership standards, as well as on whether they have met performance management objectives
- R7 Ensure there are opportunities for all staff in their school to develop their leadership roles and skills throughout their careers
- R8 Coach and mentor staff who show the behaviours and skills that would enable them to become future leaders