NPQ Virtual Visits: 5 reasons why they are a valuable resource

How many times have you wished that you could be a ‘fly on the wall’ at another school? As an NPQ Lead Facilitator with the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) this wish has been granted in the form of our virtual visits.

A core feature across all the NPQs at the NIoT, virtual visits are hosted via a live, structured and interactive Zoom session. Participants are able to see leadership strategies in practice at different school settings and hear from the leaders that implemented them - all without having to leave their own classroom. 

1. Everything you see is real.

Virtual visits are all in real time. This brings the odd little technical hiccup, but it’s worth it. As a Lead Facilitator I have the honour of supporting real leaders as they show what is happening in their settings. You can visit lessons, assemblies, staff meetings, pupil discussions and several other scenarios. You’ll hear from leaders narrating the processes and priorities that have led them to this point and their goals moving forward. It is always an example of best practice (not the only way) and, as a participant, your goal is to understand this journey and see how these practices would translate to your setting.  Environments are always a big part of seeing another setting. We are drawn to features or resources we desire.  

My advice to participants would be to identify why they liked that resource or environment feature, the learning it promoted for the students and then investigate how that learning could be promoted and developed in their own context.

2. Understanding the breadth of education in all phases.

Virtual Visits cover the whole age range relating to the featured NPQ programme, enabling participants to gain an understanding of the whole educational journey. There are many more 0-18yr schools, academies and trusts now so understanding all phases is essential to be able to lead and develop these effectively. It is also fascinating and extremely beneficial to see leadership behaviours and skills demonstrated in a variety of contexts. My personal experience is early years and primary, but my increased knowledge of secondary provision and procedures has developed my skills to a whole other level. We talk about transferable skills a lot in teaching, and this is where they truly shine out.

3. Knowledge is power - when you do something with it.

These sessions give you a chance to reflect on your own learning and experience. How does the research, the evidence and your experiences so far compare with what you are seeing? Regardless of the age range observed in the visit, we are still considering the needs of the students, the staff, the wider stakeholders and the environment.

The chance to see ‘learning’ and ‘decision making’ in real life is an incredible opportunity for you to reflect and compare, whilst considering the context, needs and priorities of your own setting.

4. Professional curiosity and respect.

You get out of it what you put in. We have heard this before, but it is a vital part of these sessions. Engagement and respect for the courage it takes our amazing colleagues to put themselves forward like this is key. Keeping  cameras on, taking part in breakout room activities, contributing to chats and making the most of the opportunities to reflect make these sessions invaluable. They are your chance to see how other leaders have implemented strategies with success, for participants to ask questions, engage with your fellow participants and to encourage you to see how this could impact all stakeholders in your context.

5. What does it mean for you and your setting?

Next steps? With all elements of the NIoT NPQ programmes we utilise the ‘Deliberate Practice’ model. This encourages you to work through the stages of learning and eventually develop a strong mental model that will help you move forward and implement powerful, sustained change. Your NPQ journey can make a real difference so keep those notes, list those actions, make those contacts and then use them to promote the life chances of the students and families in your community.

Bonus tip:

Enjoy it.

Teaching can be quite an isolated profession where it’s difficult to regularly get to visit other settings. Every session I have hosted has been so interesting in many ways, and a reminder of how we utilise the same leadership and educational skills and behaviours across all phases. Students are students and staff are staff so going into this with an open and curious mind increases your learning without limits. Knowing the full educational journey gives us a much clearer understanding of what children need, putting us in a stronger position to decide on the best practices for our own settings.

Find out more about our NPQs here.