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New headteachers: taking your first steps
Use our checklist to find out what to do before you start, and get guidance on what you should prioritise in the early weeks of headship - so you can confidently hit the ground running in your new headteacher role.
Contents
Download our checklist and take action in advance
Get to know as much as you can about your school, before you start in post.
This will help you build a picture of where your school is currently, and give you the awareness and understanding you'll need for your early conversations with your school community once you start.
Use our checklist as a guide. It covers tasks to do:
- As soon as you accept the post
- 2 to 3 weeks before starting
- 1 week before starting
KeyDoc: new headteachers' checklist
You can use it at the beginning of an academic year, or if you start mid-year.
Get ahead on essential reading
School development/improvement plan and strategic 3- to 5-year plan Latest annual report School self-evaluation form (SEF) An overall outline of the budget Latest Ofsted report and, if applicable, any
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Bitesize training with a big impact
Our on-demand training has your whole board covered and lets them learn at a time and pace that suits them.
Help your new governors hit the ground running with our expertly-designed induction training, and our role-specific courses support your link governors develop key skills and confidence in their role.
New eLearning: DSL refresher training
Your DSL’s training should be refreshed at least once every 2 years.
Designed in collaboration with safeguarding experts, our 2.5 hour online refresher training course reminds DSLs how to put their knowledge into practice, with in-depth, real-world scenarios.
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