In January 2011 Martin became the newly appointed Headteacher at Stokeinteignhead Primary School in Devon. During his first week in his new role, Martin reflects on his thoughts and feelings in his diary excerpts:
"Headship is something I have always aimed to achieve and after 17 years experience as a teacher, senior leadership team member, deputy head and a long spell as acting head, my headship finally began this week.
"I am excited at the prospect of taking up a headship in a small rural school with a great community feel. It will give me an opportunity to get to know everyone, and hopefully form really positive relationships with the children, staff and parents. The school is only four miles from home, so that means only a short drive each day and hopefully the chance to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s also really good to be joining a school where so much is going well, although I must admit to feeling anxious because I really want to do the job well, and being in a new setting means I’ll miss some of the familiarity and security of my old school.”
Day 1 - bank holiday"Even though it’s a bank holiday I went into school, just to start organising myself and become familiar with my surroundings. I also wanted to put the final touches to my plans for an INSET day tomorrow. I want to try and gather everyone’s views about where the school is now, what people want to preserve and what they want to change. I’ve been very lucky with the support I received from the outgoing headteacher, and I was able to spend some time in school before Christmas. I have also attended the last two governor meetings so that I’m aware of all the current issues, and have begun to establish a relationship with the governing body.”
Day 2 - INSET day"I was really pleased with the way this went, the staff were all very welcoming and enthusiastic and really keen to respond to my consultation exercise. Again, it does feel very strange to be working somewhere different after seven years though.”
Day 3 - first assembly"My first day with the children in school. I aim to be as high profile as possible and accessible to children and parents as I get to know them all. I am very keen for my first assembly to go well, which has a theme on New Year’s resolutions. I aim to lead assemblies and spend time on the playground as a way of keeping contact with the children as much as possible - I have 105 names to learn!
"I also had my photo taken with the new reception children who started on the same day as me, it will be great to show them this again when they are in year six. My chair of governors called in to give me a good luck card, it’s a good feeling to have her confidence and support.”
Day 4 - school council"My second assembly, I felt more relaxed than my first! I also met with the school council and listened to some of their ideas, which will again give me some regular contact with the children.”
Day 5 - the end of week one"I ended the week by meeting some parents informally for a cup of coffee. It’s great to be in a small rural school and able to do this sort of thing. After one week my mind is swimming with information and possibilities, and I’m starting to see even more ways to develop the school and move forward with my new team.”
Read about Martin’s journey to headship and how Be a Head has supported him along the way.