Recently, I engaged in a fascinating conversation with an external provider to support their research exploring how challenges affect us all – children and adults. What struck me most was a simple yet profound truth: challenges are universal. They don’t discriminate. Every child faces obstacles, whether in learning, friendships, or self-regulation. Yet somewhere along the … Continue reading
There’s something uniquely challenging about occupying positions where we genuinely want to help others and deliver excellence. We arrive with good intentions, committed to making a meaningful difference, yet sometimes encounter resistance along the way. This tension, while uncomfortable, often signals something important: necessary boundaries are being pushed. The discomfort that emerges when standards evolve … Continue reading
The world of education is a difficult and complex one. You learn, you lead, and you never give up.But here’s the question no one asks in the job description: How do you connect to others and keep going when the role itself isolates you? The Paradox of Presence Hundreds of children. Dozens of staff. Parents … Continue reading
When you look back and reflect, how much of what you do and what you manage is intense? Life and all that goes with it is filled with opportunity yet shadowed by uncomfortable truths. Across the country, dedicated colleagues share stories that weigh heavy: children with profound needs navigating systems that simply cannot hold them. … Continue reading
Looking back – an amazing person. Continue reading
This morning’s conversation with a colleague served as a stark reminder of why kindness matters, particularly in our profession. As educators, we navigate an increasingly complex landscape where the pressures multiply from every direction – accountability frameworks, budget constraints, staffing challenges – and yet it’s often the relentless nature of unjustified complaints that weighs most … Continue reading
Life’s complexity can feel overwhelming when leadership demands clash with personal well-being. The weight you’re carrying is real—the endless obligations, the sacrifice of precious time with family, even the physical toll manifesting in your own body. Yet your question itself reveals something vital: you’re still asking if it’s worth it, still seeking meaning in the … Continue reading
Life has a peculiar way of revealing itself through the most unexpected moments and encounters. We navigate through our days surrounded by an extraordinary cast of characters – including those who seem determined to find fault in every silver lining, spreading negativity like a persistent fog that dampens even the brightest moments. These individuals move … Continue reading
Regular reflection on our actions and motivations forms the cornerstone of authentic leadership. By examining what we do and why we do it, we develop a clearer understanding of our fundamental purpose. This self-awareness becomes the foundation for ethical decision-making, enabling us to act with integrity even when faced with significant pressure or opposition. When … Continue reading
I was recently invited to an end of year celebration, along with my old Deputy, and it was genuinely touching. The warmth from children and parents alike was overwhelming, and hearing their fond recollections of the time my Deputy and I spent there filled my heart with gratitude. Their stories reminded me why we entered … Continue reading
Denham Kite 