Shape Coaching

Space to think, talk openly and work out your next step. Coaching and mentoring for teachers, SENCOs and leaders, with someone who understands the pressures of school life.

Wendy Baverstock smiling at the camera.

What is coaching?

Coaching gives you space to think about your working life, explore a challenge and decide what to do next.

Through careful listening and thoughtful questions, a coach helps you explore what matters to you, consider different possibilities and take practical steps towards your goals. You bring your experience and knowledge of your own situation; the coach brings curiosity, support and constructive challenge.

Adapted from Dietmar Sternad’s definition in Developing Coaching Skills (2021).


Who do I work with?

I work with teachers, SENCOs and school leaders who want space to think things through.

Being a SENCO can feel lonely. You’re balancing children’s needs, families’ concerns and colleagues’ expectations, often with limited time and resources. You may be the person everyone turns to, while having few people who understand the pressures you’re carrying. As a qualified SENCO and inclusion leader, I understand how demanding that can be.

You might be stepping into your first headship or head of school role, with responsibility for inclusion and SEND but limited experience in these areas. Having someone to explore questions with, build your understanding and think through decisions can help you feel more confident in your leadership.

Or you may be an experienced leader managing change, preparing for a difficult conversation or considering your next step. Whatever brings you here, there is space to speak openly, ask questions and work out a way forward.

What can we work on?

You can bring a particular challenge or something you haven’t quite put into words yet. That might mean building confidence, preparing for a difficult conversation, managing competing demands or thinking about where you want your career to go.

You don’t need to arrive with a clear goal. Working out what matters most can be where we begin.

How I work

I listen, ask thoughtful questions and offer constructive challenge to help you understand your situation and explore your options. We’ll work towards practical next steps that feel right for you.

When mentoring would be useful, I can also draw on my own experience and offer ideas or a perspective. We’ll be clear about when we’re exploring your thinking and when you would welcome advice.

What I bring

I’ve been there. As a SENCO and a member of senior leadership and management teams, I’ve felt the pressure of being the person others turn to, balancing competing demands and making difficult decisions. I know how lonely those roles can feel, and how valuable it is to talk to someone who understands.

I’ve led teams, managed significant grants and worked with people across education, charities and business. I also understand the challenges of working with governors and volunteer boards. You may want space to think through a difficult relationship, prepare for a challenging meeting or work out how to explain what your school needs.

I understand the responsibility of supporting others, making difficult decisions and keeping things moving when resources are stretched. I’m also exploring formal coaching training to develop my practice further.


Getting started

I offer a free 15-minute introductory chat so we can talk about what you’re looking for, ask questions and decide whether working together feels like a good fit.

Before you book, we’ll agree the session length, whether we meet online or in person, and the fee. You’ll know the cost before deciding whether to go ahead. Get in touch.