Hayley has worked collaboratively to build a pro-family school which enables all to thrive. She is a forward thinking leader who considers change that benefits staff, pupils and parents. The emphasis on building a village of support is clearly one of the vital pillars in this model of leadership.
In this conversation, Hayley discusses challenging experiences, decision-making and how she has worked collaboratively to build a pro-family school which benefits all stakeholders.
*CONTENT WARNING* This episode discusses miscarriage and stillbirth.
My baggage makes me who I am. My baggage makes me the leader I am, the teacher I am. It influences the way I interact with parents.”
Hayley Leyshon-Brady
Headteacher
Hayley is the mother to three boys, aged 9 and 3½ years old. She also has a son, Edward who was stillborn and would be nearly 5 years old.
At present, Hayley is the Co-Head of a small one form entry village school in Oxfordshire.
In 2011, Hayley’s leadership journey began with her first phase leadership role – 12 years. Three babies, two part-time leadership roles and a pandemic later she is about to embark on her first full-time Headship in September.
Working with inspirational leaders has taught Hayley that what really matters is the people within the building. Her lived experiences and forward thinking Governors have helped her to shape a pro-family ethos for the school.
Highlights:
- 06:03 Stillbirth, sickness and absence policy
- 10:17 Considering co-headship and forward thinking governors
- 14:19 Miscarriage policy and wellbeing
- 19:49 Village of support and mum guilt
- 27:44 Part-time leadership
- 37:57 Benefits and challenges of a co-headship
Resources
The Motherhood & Leadership series is a collaboration with The MTPT Project.
All nine episodes of The Motherhood & Leadership Series are sponsored by Teach First Networks. Find out details about all the networks on offer at www.teachfirst.org.uk/networks
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