Dawn F.V.Watson

RE SIAMs Application – March 2024

Throughout my 29 years of teaching, I have held different leadership roles in a broad range of schools. I am presently Head Teacher at Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary Academy in Cockermouth. I have been in post here for just over 12 years. Previously I was the Head teacher at St. Anne’s CE Lydgate School in Oldham and was in post for 6 years. Before this, I was the Deputy Head Teacher in a very large community school (465 pupils on role) with a specialist provision, which was on the border of Manchester and Oldham. During my career I have worked in two very different education authorities, Oldham and Cumbria, with a broad range of social, cultural and economic backgrounds. This has provided me with a wealth of experience in communicating and supporting the varied intake of children, staff and parents, whom I have taught and lead. For the past five years, I have worked across the county in my role as an “Associate Advisor”, supporting headteachers and governors to lead their schools. I have been able to support them with trust and integrity and broker support from leaders in my own school and also across Cumberland.

My Headship of two church schools has given me a vast range of knowledge and skills as a church school leader. I have a good knowledge of new SIAMs framework, completing the self-evaluation form for my school. I regularly attend Diocesan RE training to keep updated on this important aspect of leading my school. I have also undertaken the Christian Leadership Course with the Manchester Diocesan, which enable me to deepen my understanding of developing the “Distinctly Christian” nature of both schools which I have led, developing a clear Christian mission and values that penetrate every aspect of school life.

I have been asked by the Good Shepherd Trust to lead the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership and be a lead coach on the National Professional Qualification for Headship. This has involved applying my range of leadership qualities to coach and inspire our Church School future leaders. This has also provided me with a refreshed knowledge of key skills.

Never resting on my laurels has been an integrated part of my professional life. Leading and embracing change and bringing all stakeholders onboard has been key to my success in the multiple settings and roles that I have undertaken. Keeping abreast of national policy and initiatives is essential in keeping leaders up to date with changes and developments in education. Applying to be a SIAMs Inspector seems like a natural career progression to learn more about this aspect of Church School leadership to support others and continue to strengthen this in my own school.

• Modernised instructional plans and educational approaches to enhance student learning.
• Elevated school profile to bring in better staff, students and partnerships.
• Strengthened community engagement strategies to boost programme outreach.
• Enforced fair and equitable disciplinary code to protect students and staff.
• Secure quality teaching and learning