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Shine Education & training about us

“Optimism does not say the bad won’t happen. It says you can cope with it”

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ABOUT US

Who are we?

Shine Education and Training is an award-winning independent organisation providing support to education and business.

We specialise in leadership development for school staff, perfomance coaching and school improvement. 

 

What edcuational services do we offer?

Our focus and passion is on further improving outcomes for children / students.

 

We do this through the high quality services we offer:

  • 1:1 Coaching (specialising in Headteachers / Principals / Heads of School)

  • SLT / Group / Team Coaching

  • Middle Leadership Programmes

  • Senior Leadership Programmes

  • Development Programmes for NQT+1s / NQT+2s

  • School Improvement Consultancy

  • INSET Sessions  

  • Courses and Workshops

  • Systems Leadership

  • Bespoke school packages 

 

Our school improvement work ranges from organisations requiring more intensive support, challenge and improvement, to those that seek to further strengthen or sustain existing good practice.

 

What business services do we offer?

Through leadership coaching, we support businesses to improve engagement, performance and results. 

Who do we work with?
  • Headteachers / Principals / Heads of School

  • Deputy Headteachers / Assistant Headteachers 

  • Senior Leaders

  • Bursars / School Business Managers

  • Business owners / managers

  • Middle Leaders

  • Heads of Department

  • Year  / Phase Leaders

  • NQT+1s / NQT+2s / Recently Qualified Teachers (RQTs)

  • Core Curriculum Leaders

  • Subject Leaders

  • Governors

  • NQTs (Newly Qualified Teachers)

 

Which organisations do we work with?
  • Maintained schools

  • Individual academies

  • Multi Academy Trusts 

  • Independent schools

  • Free schools

  • Academy sponsors and trusts

  • Local authorities

  • Business

Some of our Partners - past and present...

Why us?

Schools and Headteachers are continually provided with ‘advice’ on what they ‘should’ be doing. However, this advice is often quickly imparted without first knowing the context of the school. It is critical that advisers / consultants, or those making these suggestions, meet the school where it is at; in much the same way that teachers should meet children at their respective points of learning. 

 

At Shine, we believe that our determination to get ‘under the skin’ of each school makes us best placed to help leaders and their schools ensure sustainable school improvement.

 

The process of school improvement is almost always a ‘top-down’ approach; but why?  

At Shine we think differently and are committed to the notion that we are true equals in a genuine professional partnership.

Our only agenda is your success. 

 

If you are a headteacher, deputy headteacher, assistant head teacher or senior leader, we understand, through our experience, just how demanding your roles can be.​ Moreover, we know that these roles can, at times, can be both lonely and isolating; given the high stakes nature of education, it is pivotal that you have dedicated time to step back, pause and:

  • reflect

  • 'off-load'

  • moot possible solutions to current challenges; and

  • acknowledge, recognise and celebrate your professional strengths

 

At Shine we understand the benefits of working with an independent professional who can help you:

  • declutter and clarify your thinking

  • realise your vision; and

  • acheive your goals

 

What's more, we strive to ensure that we leave our clients feeling energised, uplifted and confident to meet the next challenge, whatever that may be. 

How do we work?

Our involvement can be to meet a one-off need or provide longer-term capacity for innovation. 

We provide value-for-money services at highly competitive rates, inclusive of all expenses and administrative costs.

Why not contact us today to discuss how we can work together to achieve great things for yourself, your team, and your organisation.

 “The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.”

Dave Cole Shine
Dave Cole

Qualifications

National Professional Qualification for Headship - NPQH

Postgraduate Certificate in Education - PGCE | University of Greenwich

LL.B. Honours in Law | Class II Division 1 | University of Exeter

“If you want people to follow you, show them your map”

 

Dave was a late entrant to the world of education. His route into teaching was unconventional to say the least; with a classical law degree from the University of Exeter and a brief spell in business as an Independent Financial Adviser, it seemed unlikely that becoming a primary school teacher was ‘on the cards’. After a chance visit to a local primary school, the rest, as they say, is history…

 

Dave is passionate about the education of the whole child and the importance that a ‘values education' plays in shaping well rounded independent learners who are ready and able to meet the demands of the 21st Century head-on with confidence. 

 

Dave has never lost his belief in education as a powerful vehicle to promote growth, both for children and young people and also for those working with them. 

Published Author

Dave is the co-author of EduCaveman®, which is an indispensable guide to transforming school culture.

EduCaveman® is an empowering book for ALL educators, that dares to dream of the schools we all want. 
Prioritising people over paper, the book examines the power of relationships and culture to lessen the impact of the ‘negativity bias’ (a stone age phenomenon), allowing teachers and leaders to unlock their potential and harness the wealth of contemporary educational research on offer.
It marries a nourishing blend of humour with school reality which invites teachers and school leaders to reflect on, and move beyond, some of the more grating and long accepted educational practices. Through pragmatic suggestions, ideas and nuggets it supports educators in planning for cultural transformation.
EduCaveman® is a refreshing read which oozes practical positivity and imbues professional confidence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…This book will leave you energised, enthused and inspired’ Sir John Jones

 

Find out more: https://www.educaveman.co.uk/buy-the-book.html

 

Experience and Expertise

Since 2003, his involvement in and commitment to education has seen him hold a variety of roles:

 

  • School Improvement and Inclusion Adviser - Babcock International (Surrey) 

  • Primary Link Adviser - West Sussex County Council

  • School Partnership Adviser - Brighton and Hove County Council

  • Headteacher Coach - Brighton and Hove County Council

  • School Partnership Adviser and Leadership Consultant - HSP (Horsham Schools Partnership, West Sussex)

  • Headspace Programme Leader - West Sussex Headteacher Networking Programme

 

  • Leadership Trainer / Programme Facilitator

    • Facilitator for The Future Leaders Trust

    • Programme Leader for the Horley Schools Middle Leadership Programme

    • Programme Leader for the Horley Schools Senior Leadership Programme

    • Programme Leader for the Horley Schools RQT Development Programme

    • Programme Leader for the Warlingham Schools Middle Leadership Programme

    • Programme Leader for the  SESTA Middle Leadership Programme

    • Programme Leader for the  London Diocese Borough Schools Middle Leadership Programme

    • Programme Leader for the  TSA24 Middle and Senior Leadership Programmes

    • Programme Leader for the  West Sussex Special Schools Middle Leadership Programme

 

  • Surrey South Farnham SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teaching Training) Programme

    • Programme Consultant

    • Recruitment and Marketing 

    • Support Tutor / Trainee Mentor

    • Lecturer - Behaviour / Managing Support Staff / Managing relationships with Parents & Carers

    • Assignment Moderation

 

  • Chairperson and Strategic Lead for the Horley Schools Confederation 

 

  • Member of the Board of Governors - Reigate Grammar School

 

  • 3 x Primary Headships:

    • 2-form entry infant school

    • 3-form entry infant school

    • 3-form / 4-form entry junior school

 

  • Special Educational Needs Coordinator

 

  • Leading Mathematics Practitioner for Surrey Local Authority

 

Throughout this time he has focused on developing his knowledge and understanding of what makes people ‘tick’ and finding creative ways to share this with hard-pressed school staff and leaders. He has a particular interest in helping leaders and leadership teams to gain a greater appreciation of what they do well, and to use this as a basis for planning and supporting further growth.

 

In his work as a Primary Headteacher, Dave’s style was unique in that he combined two traits which do not usually co-exist. In fact, often they sit at diametrically opposite ends of the leadership spectrum. He combined the rigour required to bring about transformational change with an innate sense of fun and warmth.

 

Approach

In his role as a coach / school development consultant little has changed; Dave has an outcome focus which is informed by his professional background. His style combines challenge with empathy and support. He is clear-sighted and pragmatic, with a sensitive, intuitive approach. He is methodical, systematic and results orientated, whilst simultaneously forging excellent relationships, which motivate school leaders and excite them about their roles.

 

Dave is particularly interested in performance coaching and has a proven track record for creating a culture where staff are independent and solution-focused.

 

This experience, coupled with regular work in primary and secondary schools, keeps his coaching and school improvement work firmly rooted in the real world of education.

 

In all aspects of his work, Dave engages credibly and personably with a wide spectrum of those involved in education – trainee teachers, class teachers, senior staff, Governors and Headteachers / school principals alike.

 

In his spare time, Dave enjoys cycling and surfing. He is married with 3 children.

 

He is based in Surrey, in the Reigate area, near Junction 8 on the M25.

Meet the director
MEET OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR
contact

CONTACT US

If you prefer talking to typing, call us now on

+44 (0) 7979 851703

for a friendly, obligation-free chat about how we might meet your school and leadership needs. 

 

This phone is carried by Dave Cole, our Managing Director, and if he can't take your call immediately, please leave a message and he'll get back to you as soon as he can.

Be assured that all client conversations are treated in the strictest of confidence. A brief chat is often the best way to find out if Shine can offer the support or training that you need and if we are the right company to work with you. 

 

Should you wish to contact us by email, please complete the enquiry form below:

Thank you for your enquiry. We will endeavour to respond within 24 hours.

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