Sue Plant - Embracing part-time and flexible working

Sue is the Head of School at John Taylor Free School. She has worked in education for the last 23 years with experience of a wide range of schools and different settings. Her extensive leadership experience spans 2 highly successful Multi Academy Trusts based in the East Midlands. She has established a Teaching School Alliance and School Centre for Initial Teacher Training and understands the importance of professional learning for teachers and leaders.  Sue is also a huge supporter of part time and flexible working - every job advert for roles in her school is advertised with the line 'applications are welcome from candidates who want to work flexibly'.  Her experiences of being a full time working single mum have ensured she is able to understand that family life has a major impact on working life and she is quite prepared to support her staff by making adjustments that support them and their well-being in work. As a result, she has created a positive culture of well-being in the school; this is supported by a culture of coaching to support staff development and to create autonomy, respect and trust amongst the staff who work for her.  Sue is a truly empathetic leader; she clearly cares about her staff and their differing individual needs and she sums this up in the interview when she refers to leading with kindness. @plant4sue www.johntaylorfreeschool.co.uk www.transformeducationcoach.com www.headteacherchat.com www.teachwellalliance.com