Lighting the Way

LoveReading4Kids Says

The case for ethical leadership in schools

Being neither a Head nor an aspiring leader, I was initially wary of reviewing this book. But being married to an ex-head I thought it would be interesting to view someone else’s viewpoint and perspective.

Oddly enough, the more I read, the more I realised that what she had to say applied to all of us. Her approach to leadership and her belief in people and the importance of a calm and caring team are values applicable to any workplace.

The book is set out in a clear and informative style, easily accessible due to the overview, the subheadings and the questions raised at the end of each chapter. She manages to get her points across in a non-patronising, honest and thoughtful way. What she says is both sensible and achievable. She recognises the various leadership styles and makes no secret of the loneliness and often overwhelmingly difficult task headship can be. The impact of poverty and lack of funding is delivered without laying blame. Her approach throughout is to make life easier for everyone, Heads, staff, parents and children. She is not waving a magic wand or trying to reinvent the wheel, simply to ask the questions. Her approach is neither radical or revolutionary and that is what makes it work, makes it achievable.

I think everyone could take something from this book. She is certainly a Head I would be happy to work for.

Rosie Watch

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