IAN FROST, ODST SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT ADVISER & COACH
Currently a school improvement adviser and an ILM Level 7 Coach, we are delighted that from September, Ian Frost will become Deputy CEO at ODST.
Ian works closely with school leaders to support their schools and also their own professional development. He coaches 75 school leaders, both within ODST schools and beyond, and also delivers the NPQSL programme.
Prior to joining ODST, Ian was a headteacher for 10 years, and has completed an ILM Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. Outside his day job, Ian can be found writing, or walking in the hills with his dog.
What is coaching?
Ian believes coaching offers school leaders a much-needed opportunity for some reflective space in a high-pressure world, particularly following an intense two years dealing with the operational challenges of Covid.
Coaching is a non-therapeutic intervention (coaching is not counselling), intended for those who wish to find the time to think more deeply, to reflect on their work or personal situation, or look more closely at their career.
Ian says the focus is "strength-based and affirmative: building first on what's strong, not what's wrong. I aim to provide a calming space and the thinking time to look more strategically and long term. I coach colleagues in clarifying their thinking, then strengthening habits which generate change. Listening well is at the heart of my practice - it is important to me that school leaders are properly heard, and that this helps them to ask themselves questions in an authentic way.
Many of us really struggle with two key things: a sense of imposter syndrome and the curse of perfectionism. I really hope that through the experience of coaching people grow in confidence. I believe that creating and protecting this reflective space can really help lift our energy levels at a tough time, so that we feel valued, can rebuild and emerge even stronger."
