About me

Emma Gleadhill

Specialising in child/adolescent development and the emotional dimensions of teaching, learning and parenting.

In an uncertain and rapidly changing world, filled with conflicting and competing information, I bring clarity, insight, and humour as a speaker and trainer.
Emma Gleadhill

A wealth of experience

“I have a long standing reputation for delivering transformative learning in psychological wellbeing, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships. I work with over 50 schools throughout the UK and numerous national and international organisations as a speaker, trainer and parenting expert. I am frequently asked to contribute to leading parenting podcasts and to feature as an expert interviewee in radio and newspaper features on family life, education, and relationships.”
  • In 2013 I set up my consultancy practice initially providing pastoral INSET to the Girls Day School Trust network and rapidly expanding to other schools based on word-of mouth recommendations.
  • My background as a former school leader, NEU rep, governor, practicing teacher, and school-based coach enables me to be very much in tune with the realities of school life. My training resonates because it is all about application on the ground.
  • Also providing successful wellbeing and PSHCE talks for pupils – frequently booked on a regular basis by client schools.
  • Now providing parenting talks and workshops both in schools and in corporate settings.
  • In embarking on the MA in Psychoanalytic Observational Studies at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, I had initially thought of retraining to become a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. During this pre-clinical training stage, I developed a strong belief that elements of Child Development Research, insights from progress in neuroscience, and Psychodynamic approaches could be of huge benefit in school life.
  • My vision is to combine my extensive experience of school life and postgraduate research to the benefit of pupils, parents and teachers who experience difficulties as part of the emotional aspects of everyday life but may not reach the threshold for accessing specialist interventions.
  • I provided group supervision for Designated Safeguarding Leads in regional clusters for the 26 Senior and Prep schools across the GDST network from Autumn 2018 to Summer 2022. I have provided consultancy advice to DSLs and their teams in Prep schools and Senior schools, supporting Governors in reviewing the work of Safeguarding teams.
  • Qualified as a teacher in 1997. Awarded the Walton Prize for excellence at the end of my PGCE at the University of Manchester.
  • Rapidly earning my stripes through commitment to excellence and leadership in pastoral care.
  • Head of House (Senior pastoral post) in the first co-educational school in the Arab World.
  • After outstanding results as Head of English, became Deputy Head (sole Deputy) at a leading Independent Girls’ School.
  • Returned to classroom teaching part time (2011 – 2013) whilst doing the pre-clinical training to become a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist with the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust.
  • Part time teacher of English, and school-based professional coach 2014-2020 whilst my consultancy practice grew.’
  • Active school-based work continues to be an important part of my ethos as a trainer and coach.
  • MA in Psychoanalytic Observational Studies. This centres on working with children, young people and families. It forms the pre-clinical training for becoming a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust – a world leading centre of excellence in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
  • My studies incorporated the latest thinking in Child Development Research and Neuroscientific insights into development as well as the development of the personality.
  • I keep up to date by attending further CPD training at the Tavistock, as well as online courses in positive psychology, psychodynamic thinking, developing wellbeing and
  • Also specialising in group and institutional dynamics
  • Distinctions in Work Discussion paper and Young Child Observation study.
  • School Governor with an emphasis on Safeguarding and Wellbeing – at Charles Dickens Primary School in Southwark – an outstanding primary school. 2014-2020.
  • School Governor, City Heights High, Lambeth 2012-2015
  • In attendance at Governor meetings as Deputy Head since 2005 – so extensive experience of working alongside governors, within committee structures.
  • Providing training for Governing boards and assisting with Leadership appointments and Safeguarding Reviews as part of my consultancy work. 
  • ATL / NEU Representative 2013 -2019 – supporting constructive relationships during change management and supporting individual teachers and support staff.
  • One of 6 Union Representatives sitting on the Consultative Committee of the GDST network of 24 schools. 2013 – 2019.
  • My experiences as a union rep enables me to give down-to-earth, practical, and well-informed insights in teacher workshops. I fully appreciate the difficulties and worries teachers and others in support roles face in the day-to-day life of schools.
  • Deputy Head of Godolphin and Latymer School – a leading Girls’ Independent School 2005-2011.
  • National Professional Qualification for Headship (2006)
  • Child Protection / Safeguarding Lead
  • Helping hundreds of young people and their families when the growing got tough.
  • Established and well-regarded coach – supporting and empowering parents, professionals, and teens, who want more out of life. More purpose, more meaning, and greater fulfilment.
  • Extensive experience mentoring young people and families in difficulty – both in school and on a voluntary basis.
  • 2018 – Training as a professional coach with CTI – now Co-Active Training Institute – an internationally recognised provider of coaching training.
  • Dec 2018 – Completed the Co-Active Fundamentals and Co-Active Coach Training
  • Jan 2019 – Started my private coaching practice as a complement to the training and parenting work.
  • 2019-2020 Coaching one day per week for pupils and staff at Wimbledon High
School.
Parent of a wonderful teenage girl – and watching myself getting it right and wrong in the sand-tray of life. Fully grounded in the challenges of putting all that good parenting theory into practice!

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