Saturday 15 September 2018

Vision to Provision Returns!!



We are delighted to be able to deliver the Vision to Provision programme again this year, funded through Havering Primary Teaching School Alliance. This programme is free to all EYFS leads across Havering.

The programme is designed to facilitate continuing professional development for Early Years Leaders, focusing specifically on the establishment of a vision for everyday practice, the practical application of leadership strategies and the ensuring of a great start to school for all Havering Reception aged pupils.

This year's programme has been planned around feedback given from participants who attended the programme last year.

Please ensure that you book onto all the sessions and make sure that you bring your Headteacher to the conference days. Sign up on the Havering Portal!

First full day conference for EYFS Leaders and Headteachers: Friday 19th October - Keynote speaker: Sarah Dunne

EYFS Leadership training half day session: Monday 3rd December

EYFS Leadership training half day session: Monday 11th February

EYFS Leadership training half day session: Tuesday 2nd April

Second full day conference for EYFS Leaders and Headteachers: Thursday 9th May - keynote speaker: Pete Moorhouse

EYFS Leadership training half day session: Tuesday 2nd July









Tuesday 11 September 2018

Effective Listening

1. Listen with your whole self.
Maintain eye contact without staring or glaring. Concentrate on the speaker and lean slightly forward to communicate that you are open to what is being said. Nod, smile, or ask a relevant question if you need clarification. This way, you send a nonverbal message that you are “in the moment” and fully involved in the conversation. Don’t rush or hurry the exchange.Be wholly and fully present, and you’ll be long remembered.

Related: Listening Is an Art, and Mastering it Will Make You a Great Leader


2. Smile.
A warm, genuine smile is the most beautiful curve on the human body. Your friendly expression says, “I’m approachable and interested,” and it can immediately put others at ease. When you smile during small talk you let people know you appreciate talking to them and you increase your longevity.
3. Open up and relax.

We have a tendency to “fold up” when we feel uncomfortable or threatened. We cross our arms, legs or ankles, shift in our seat, put our hands in our pockets or even angle our body away from others.

These postures, in effect, “disconnect” or close you off from the person who is speaking. Body language expert Janine Driver writes in her bestselling book, You Say More Than You Think: “The direction our belly button faces reflects our attitude and reveals our emotional state. When we suddenly turn our navel toward a door or exit or away from someone, we subconsciously send the signal that we want out of the conversation and perhaps even out of the interaction.”

4. Be aware of nervous gestures.
It’s natural to feel tense in certain situations, but if you want to socialize and meet people you should try to conceal your nervousness as best you can.

Nervousness manifests itself in many ways. Common signs of unease include fussing with your hair, jewelry, or clothing, adjusting your tie, clearing your throat every few minutes, repeatedly clicking a ballpoint pen, wiggling your foot, picking at your cuticles, and biting your fingernails in public. Keep your body parts as still as possible without appearing stiff.

Try to relax and take a few deep breaths.

5. Initiate contact.
If people don’t seem to be approaching you, then take the initiative and be the first person to say hello. This demonstrates confidence and immediately shows your interest in the other person. As the conversation begins, nod, focus on what the other person is saying, and resist the temptation to interrupt or finish someone else’s sentences.

6. Ask questions.
People perk up when we demonstrate a focused and sincere interest in them and their story. If you take an active interest in the lives of those around you, people will remember and appreciate you for making the effort.

Active listening and being fully present for the other person will make you more memorable than you imagine. The willingness to step outside of yourself and your concerns happens when wisdom, generosity of spirit, and compassion are combined with your intent to honor another human being.

Read the full article here