Victoria Pettett

Victoria Pettett - Headteacher

Can you explain your career path into teaching?

I left school at 18 and attended Roehampton University where I studied a BA Hons in Education Studies and Early Childhood Studies. I wanted to further my education and become a teacher and completed by PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University. 

I applied for my first teaching post 10 years ago starting as an NQT teaching Early Years at Westlands Primary School. Three years later I became Early Years Leader, this role developing into an Assistant Headteacher position. I led a successful team of staff who managed, in 18 months, to turn the EYFS provision from Inadequate to Outstanding. I would say that this has been the highlight of my career. Following on from the successful Ofsted, I was appointed Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for EYFS and Key Stage 1.

Recently I was given the opportunity to assume the role of Acting Head of school to cover maternity leave, later moving into this position full time.

 

What do you love about your job?

I enjoy every single aspect of my role. I am lucky enough to work with some very passionate, hardworking people. The leadership structure of the school means we have an Executive Headteacher who we are able to learn from. The staff at Westlands Primary School are dedicated, working very hard and share a passion for learning. The children make me smile every single day, they are the future so it is essential that we ensure we are providing a safe, stimulating environment for them to thrive in. I see children achieve something new for the first time every day and the excitement they display makes everything worthwhile.

My job has meant I am always learning, I like the fact I can drive the school forward with the support of the leadership team to make the school the best we possibly can for both children and staff.  My passion is early childhood development and although my main role is head of school, I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to still work across the other Trust schools supporting EYFS.  I love that the variety makes every day different.

 

What made you get into teaching?

Strangely enough, I went into teaching because I didn’t have the best experience at school. It wasn’t something I particularly enjoyed and I wanted to train to teach so I could try to make school a better experience for children than I had.

 

What opportunities has Swale Academies Trust given you?

Swale Academies Trust has given me an abundance of opportunities. They believed in me when our school was in special measures and allowed me to take the lead of Key Stage 1. From here, I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to develop as a leader to the point where I am now the Head of School.

I have been given opportunities to work across a number of schools and support provision. I have been able to work alongside some very experienced and supportive members of staff, I have been given various CPD opportunities. I have been encouraged to put my own ideas into practice. I have been given the opportunity to train staff, run Trust-wide workshops as well as being involved in action research and coaching other school leaders.

 

How did you make the transition between EYFS to school leadership?

I was lucky that my first leadership post was leading EYFS and this is something I am still passionate about and continue to do. Leading EYFS is no different to leading other parts of the school, there are just different aspects to the role. I have been well supported by my line managers in all of my roles and have had constant training. These opportunities have helped me develop into different leadership roles as the principles behind early years teaching should continue throughout the school, the learning that takes place in EYFS gives children the foundations for lifelong learning.

 

What is the best advice you can give someone starting their career in teaching?

Ensure you have a good work-life balance from the start. There will always be something to do, but there is always tomorrow. It is important to look after yourself to make sure you can be the best you can for the children.