Joan Henderson – Education Mentor

I have worked in education for over 30 years and during this time I have developed a sound understanding of primary, early years and teacher education. I have witnessed the changes and developments within these educational sectors.

I have been privileged to work as a teacher, a principal, a teacher educator and as an educational inspector.

As an education mentor my key priorities are leading, inspiring and supporting staff at all levels within schools and planning a personalised professional programme to meet their needs. I support schools to promote and provide the highest quality of provision in order to raise the children’s achievements and standards and to empower the staff to develop as a reflective workforce.  By guiding and encouraging the senior leadership team to have a clear, strategic focus for their school, and motivating staff at all levels I support staff through the process of change and sustained improvement.

I am an experienced strategic thinker within the educational sector who inspires and shares innovative and effective strategies within the schools and settings that I work.

Currently supporting schools in the areas of: 

  • Effective features of learning and teaching;
  • The role of middle management within schools;
  • Supporting co-ordinators in the development, monitoring and evaluation of their area of responsibility;
  • Action planning and self-evaluation and sustained self-evaluation in action;
  • Quality practice and planning at Foundation Stage,  Key Stage 1 and 2;
  • Effective questioning within the primary school;
  • Effective practice within the Nursery setting;
  • Planning and assessment within the nursery setting;
  • Developing our self-reflective role as governors;
  • Interactive, professional support and feedback to the SLT in relation to primary and pre-school educational issues;
  • Effective SEN practice within a primary school and a nursery setting; 
  • Curriculum areas within the nursery setting: – For example:- WAU and PSE;
  • The use of Tapestry online learning journal to support planning, observation and assessment.

“A highly effective consultation to our Foundation stage. Her guidance and support helped us move forward with confidence to provide the best education possible for all our students!! “

“Joan offered a most professional service to our school. Her tremendous depth of experience in education is helping us become a highly reflective and progressive learning community. We look forward to welcoming Joan back very soon to work with all our staff.“