Chris Kellaway

Director of Coaching, Woldingham School

Woldingham, United Kingdom

Chris has been a Graydin certified facilitator for 2 years now and has trained over 50 colleagues in the Anatomy as well as 34 colleagues in the Journey in this time. It has been 3 years since Woldingham introduced Coaching, with Chris in charge of its implementation it as their Director of Coaching, and there are now over 100 trained coaches from all walks of life in the school, not just pastoral but many academic departments, the school nurse, the theatre manager and a member of the facilities team. Chris believes that coaching is for everyone and has been delighted to train Sixth Form Students who have been coaching each other and younger students as well. Coaching has also been introduced to parents and forms a key part of our pastoral support plan at Woldingham as well as PSHCE lessons. Chris has been a Theology teacher for over 10 years and loves giving students the opportunity to have a voice and be heard. This is one of the reasons coaching was an instant love for him with its emphasis on listening skills and asking the right questions to allow people to be truly heard. Before becoming a teacher Chris worked for Management Consultancy firm, Accenture and WPP owned Media Agency, Mediacom for four years each. Chris’ favourite thing about coaching is the lightbulb moment where you can help unlock something that has been bugging the coachee for a while or just helping the coachee find calm – this could be knowing what to study at University, how to approach a difficult conversation or even just helping someone plan their lesson. Being listened to is the best thing about coaching, creating regular opportunities to be listened to and he has been pushing 5 minute coaching sessions at Woldingham. There is always time for a coaching chat. The best thing to train people in is the B to A. Such a helpful tool to find your way on your journey.

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