Articles

Explore Joan’s latest articles, insights and professional advice.

The Teaching Assistant: More Than a Helping HandExecutive Coaching

The Teaching Assistant: More Than a Helping Hand

Every day, teaching assistants make countless decisions, build meaningful relationships and create opportunities that shape children's lives. Yet when we…
JoanSeptember 3, 2026 Read More
“Learning Beyond the Classroom: Where Confidence, Curiosity and Resilience Grow”Executive Coaching

“Learning Beyond the Classroom: Where Confidence, Curiosity and Resilience Grow”

"With so much focus on academic attainment, there can be pressure on teachers to stay in the classroom which means…
JoanSeptember 1, 2026 Read More
Simplifying Observation and Assessment: Understanding Children’s Learning Through Everyday ExperiencesExecutive Coaching

Simplifying Observation and Assessment: Understanding Children’s Learning Through Everyday Experiences

Many early years practitioners openly acknowledge how overwhelmed they feel by observation and assessment. Over the last few years, I…
JoanSeptember 1, 2026 Read More
Strengthening Classroom Practice Through Reflective Coaching: Enhancing Leadership and Learning in Key Stage 1Executive Coaching

Strengthening Classroom Practice Through Reflective Coaching: Enhancing Leadership and Learning in Key Stage 1

Exploring how reflective dialogue, purposeful planning, and collaborative coaching support Activity‑Based Learning and teacher development. Further work with Key Stage…
JoanSeptember 1, 2026 Read More
Play Progression, Continuity, and Leadership in Early YearsExecutive Coaching

Play Progression, Continuity, and Leadership in Early Years

I recently spent time with the staff of a small school working across Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, exploring…
JoanSeptember 1, 2026 Read More
Enhancing Leadership and Learning in Key Stage 1Executive Coaching

Enhancing Leadership and Learning in Key Stage 1

A professional reflection on Activity‑Based Learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement in early primary education Another example comes from work with…
JoanSeptember 1, 2026 Read More
Belfast-Bringing Activity‑Based Learning to LifeExecutive Coaching

Belfast-Bringing Activity‑Based Learning to Life

Activity-Based Learning in Practice I recently spent a rewarding half‑day with the dedicated Key Stage 1 staff in a school…
JoanMarch 16, 2026 Read More
Leadership DevelopmentExecutive Coaching

Leadership Development

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the importance of leadership development and career growth has never been greater. Across schools,…
JoanMarch 16, 2026 Read More
Creating Space for Reflection and GrowthExecutive Coaching

Creating Space for Reflection and Growth

I recently had the privilege of working with a group of senior leadership staff who were seeking support in managing…
JoanMarch 16, 2026 Read More
Supporting Career Growth and Leadership DevelopmentExecutive Coaching

Supporting Career Growth and Leadership Development

In an increasingly complex and fast-moving business environment, professionals are being asked to lead with confidence, adapt to change and…
JoanFebruary 8, 2026 Read More