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SLE

The Department for Education introduced the Specialist Leaders of Education (SLE) concept in their The Importance of Teaching: The Schools White Paper 2010. In only a few years this has developed into a highly successful programme with over 4,900 SLEs in the system; the SLE designation is now recognised as a vital role in school-to-school support and plays a fundamental part in the self-improving school led system, ultimately raising standards and improving outcomes for children.

Teaching Schools are responsible for designating SLEs, brokering SLE deployments and providing ongoing support and we would like to invite you to be part of this exciting opportunity. Previous SLE cohorts have shown that individuals can be motivated and re-energised by undertaking such leadership roles, which can in turn support staff retention. We also believe the SLE programme is an excellent form of CPD for middle and senior leaders, enabling them to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities in a variety of ways. This can mean that their ability to undertake their current role is further improved. It can also support schools’ internal succession-planning strategies by enabling individuals to demonstrate they are ready to step up to the next leadership level.

SLEs are typically outstanding middle and senior leaders who have the skills to support individuals or teams in similar positions in other schools using a high-level coaching or facilitation approach that draws on their knowledge and expertise in their specialist area. There is an agreed ‘charge out’ rate for SLEs which ensures that school costs are covered during deployment.

As a Cohort 1 National Teaching School, South Farnham School is always looking to hear from potential SLEs from the Primary sector to join the twenty who are deployed through our extensive school to school support work.

We have a full range of specialisms covered by the team of SLEs who all have a proven record in school to school support and are available for deployment. Please contact Claire Donnachie for further information cdonnachie@sfet.org.uk