The early stages of Headship are exciting and challenging in equal measure.
KALE is committed to ensuring that all new Headteachers are supported at this time by their peers. We do this through a welcome event, offering peer mentoring and sign-posting to coaching.
New Headteachers Welcome
KALE holds an annual welcome for new Headteachers.
On 3rd October 2024, KALE hosted another successful in-person event, which was co-scheduled with KCC’s welcome, allowing colleagues to attend both sessions on the same day. The event provided an opportunity to meet KALE colleagues, to hear more about what we do and explore how we can support you.
We appreciate that there are many reasons why some colleagues were unable to attend the welcome event, therefore we would like to ensure that all new headteachers are provided the same opportunities. KALE are therefore pleased to announce a Virtual Welcome Event which which will take place on Monday 11th November, 2024 - 3.15pm-4.30pm.
Hear from KALE Chair, Ashley Crittenden, who will be sharing an overview of KALE, tips from recently new HTs, KALE’s purpose and how we can support you. We will also be sharing details of a small group coaching offer for new headteachers.
If you are interested in attending this event, please contact info@kale-connect.org.uk.
Click here to download a copy of the 2024/25 New Headteacher Welcome Letter
New Headteacher Network Sessions
KALE understands the exciting opportunities to shape the future of your school when moving into headship, but also understand how challenging this can be and sadly at times, feel lonely. What's important to remember is that you're not alone.
To support you in your leadership journey, KALE are delighted to invite you to join a number of online New Headteacher Network Sessions — a dedicated space for collaboration, sharing experiences and learning with peers across Kent.
- Tuesday 14th January 2025, 4.00pm-5.00pm
- Monday 28th April 2025, 4.00pm-5.00pm
- Tuesday 24th June 2025, 4.00pm-5.00pm
As a busy headteacher, we understand that time is precious, therefore sessions are held online and scheduled at times that work around the demands of school life. You can attend from the comfort of your office or home, saving time on travel and enabling you to participate no matter where you're based.
If you’re interested in joining these sessions, please register by completing this short form. You will then be contacted by the KALE Business Support Administrator who will forward the calendar invitations.
We would like to encourage all new headteachers to attend each session to allow you to build on previous discussions, deepen connections and grow your knowledge base.
If you have any questions, please contact info@kale-connect.org.uk.
KCC New Headteacher Induction
A Headteacher Induction Programme. We would encourage you to join this valuable induction and networking opportunity. Please find information attached from the programme coordinator along with booking details. Note that the year-long programme is cyclical, and you can join at any point in the academic year.
Mentoring
KALE works to ensure that all new Headteachers have access to a mentor if they choose to. All mentors are serving Headteachers, chosen for their experience. We work in partnership with KCC to identify mentors for Headteachers of maintained schools and we liaise directly with academies to offer a mentor.
If you would like us to help you find a mentor, please contact info@kale-connect.org.uk
Local Networks
You can find information about local networks here.
A good connection to make is with your local KALE representative who will be able to let you know about local networks for Headteachers. You can find their details here
Discounted place at the annual KALE Conference
We offer all new Headteachers a 50% discount on the price of a day ticket to the annual KALE Conference