Why “There Is No Communication” Rarely Means What We Think I often look for themes that surface across coaching sessions. Communication has come up regularly. Managers think that they are communicating, and employees feel they aren’t being communicated with. Both are often right. Statements like, ‘There is no communication. ‘Communication is the key.’ These statements are too broad to be useful. They don’t tell us what’s actually happening, and they don’t help us understand w

We all know how hard it can be to motivate ourselves at times and it becomes even more complex when we need someone else to do “stuff”. I recently led a discussion with carers of neurodivergent young people where we explored why motivation can be difficult and what might help. Young people may appear lazy, disinterested, or remote. You might get excuses, resistance, or the classic “I didn’t hear you”. None of this is the full story. This article highlights some of the themes

When I first stepped into a leadership role, I quickly realised that having a clear vision was only part of the journey. The real challenge was navigating the complexities of supporting diverse learners, especially those with SEND. Over time, I found that coaching and reflective supervision weren’t just helpful; they were essential. They offered a way to pause, think, understand what was happening beneath the surface, and make decisions with more clarity and confidence. I’ve

Communication barriers come up often in my work. It can feel as though there’s a language gap that gets in the way of a clear, practical conversation. When that happens, frustration and judgment build, and both sides can slip into burnout — showing up as aggression, power struggles, or stepping back altogether, all of which make collaboration harder. My parenting experience As a foster carer, I often found myself facing professionals, needing support, and hoping to be heard.

What did you mean by that? Have you ever found yourself replaying a conversation long after it ended? I have - more times than I care to admit. In my twenties, I started paying attention to this habit. I hated walking away from an interaction, wondering whether I should be upset, offended or embarrassed. When I finally began asking people what they actually meant, I discovered something surprising: most of the time, I had no reason to be concerned at all. It made me realise

I have been told that I ask ‘why?’ too much, as an adult and as a child. I am naturally curious. I wonder about all sorts of things. Sometimes these wonderings generate nonsense, but at other times they expand my thinking and help me learn more. This curiosity has proved invaluable for me, and not once has it led to the demise of any cats. I work extensively with adults supporting children and young people with SEND. They come to me because they are trying to understand what

What is confidence, really? What if low confidence is just a signal to shift something? People often talk about confidence as if it’s a fixed personality trait — something you either have or you don’t. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. It appeared in my school testimonial in the 80s, it has followed me into adulthood, and yet… I still sometimes feel I don’t have enough of it. Interestingly, others often describe me as confident. I “walk tall”, which might trace back t

When I first started exploring emotional intelligence, I didn’t realise how deeply it had an impact on my personal and professional life. It’s not just about understanding feelings; it’s about using that understanding to grow, connect, and lead with empathy. If you’re navigating the complex world of leadership or education, especially in inclusive settings, developing emotional skills can be a game-changer. Let’s take a gentle journey together through what emotional intellige

Creating a strong, effective support network is something I’ve come to value deeply. It’s not just about having people around; it’s about building connections that truly understand and uplift each other. When we talk about inclusive network building, it’s about weaving together diverse voices and experiences to create support that benefits everyone involved. This is particularly important when addressing the needs of learners with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilit

I first started exploring emotional intelligence in my early leadership roles. My knowledge continues to impact my approach to leadership and inclusion. Emotional intelligence is more than just a buzzword; it’s a vital skill set that helps us connect, understand, and lead with empathy. For those working in education and SEND leadership, developing this skill can transform how we support our teams and students alike. Most of you will understand emotional intelligence, but how

For those of you already in a leadership role, you will know that guiding a team—especially in an inclusive educational setting—requires more than just knowledge. It demands ongoing growth, reflection, and support. That’s where effective coaching strategies come into play. They help us navigate challenges, build confidence, and foster environments where everyone can thrive. Today, I want to share why coaching and supervision are essential tools for leaders, especially those

Just over a year ago, I left teaching and school-based SENDCO behind to embark on a new personal and professional developmental journey....

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I’ve been asked to introduce myself and say what I do a few times recently. I have found that the act of doing this also helps me to...

When I think about education, I see potential alongside challenges requiring thoughtful guidance. Leadership coaching for educators is...

By Caroline Clark – Leadership Coach, SEND Specialist, Foster Carer Parents and carers of children with SEND often carry an invisible...

When I first encountered the world of coaching, I was struck by how deeply personal and transformative it could be. It’s not just about...