Testimonials from Educational Consultancy and Training Sessions
'"Yet another fantastic inset with Leysa, which provided fun and engaging ways of teaching grammar and punctuation. When you are fortunate enough to attend an inset with Leysa Henderson, you know that you will leave with new knowledge, innovative ideas for delivering the curriculum and an enthusiasm to use what you have learned in the classroom."
Julie McDonagh (Grange Primary School)
Leysa delivered a History INSET across KS1 and 2. It was very well prepared and the teachers had a great day. Leysa’s enthusiasm for the subject shone through and her key messages of enjoyment and rigour will make a massive difference to our teaching and learning in History and other subjects.‘
Graham Beeden (Headteacher of Grange Primary School - South Ealing)
The course has made me challenge myself and really think about the impact of my teaching.’
Gemma (Course participant)
I think it has been the most useful 6 sessions of training in my whole teaching career...and I don’t say this lightly’
Sonia (Course participant)
I developed confidence in my own teaching and learnt many techniques and ideas.’
Laura (Course participant)
Reference by Kate Norfolk (Headteacher of Norwood Green Junior School)
"Leysa is an exceedingly talented teacher who has very sound pedagogy about teaching and actively seeks to develop the whole child. Her teaching style ensures that all pupils develop improved meta-cognition and that they become more developed thinkers. Her ability to facilitate the children in developing their own learning is impressive and the motivation and positive response from children is evident as a result. Pupil autonomy and independence is valued greatly by Leysa.
Leysa is extremely conscientious and talented teacher and was a very highly valued member of staff. Less experienced members of staff have benefitted enormously from observing her teaching and her management. She has a bit of a wicked sense of humour and this is always used to great effect both within the classroom and the staffroom! I have always greatly valued Leysa’s skill as a teacher and manager and would not hesitate to work with her again given the chance."
Natasha Dodwell - Grange Primary School
I cannot thank you enough for the support and guidance you have given me over the last few months. On entering my second year as a teacher I found myself overwhelmed and losing confidence as my school was going through many changes and I was beginning to feel my skills were not up to the demands. Having you as a mentor and coach allowed me to build on my strengths and explore new teaching styles with confidence: you encouraged and empowered me at every point allowing me to step away from the constraints of an NQT mind set.
In addition, the history inset and specialist science support you have provided has given both me and my colleagues so many new ideas and ways to deliver a more interesting curriculum. I now feel much more capable and motivated having a acquired a much broader skills base and the confidence to deliver it.
I just wish I could work with you every week!
Comments from the Berkshire Teaching Alliance Course on Reading for Meaning
Were the objective met?
'Yes - thank you (smiley face). Lots and lots of ideas, activities to take away. Also valued 'book share' time and opportunity to discuss with other teachers. Interesting ideas for activities and books to use in the classroom.'
Comments on delivery:
'High quality PowerPoint and pack provided with resources and activity ideas. Really passionate and expert delivery of content.'
What will you do differently?
'Like the approach to 'compare across texts' using 'themes' as a way in. Ideas for guided reading an lots more. I will promote/model 'book/picture talk/ as part of staff INSET session.'
Julie McDonagh (Grange Primary School)
Leysa delivered a History INSET across KS1 and 2. It was very well prepared and the teachers had a great day. Leysa’s enthusiasm for the subject shone through and her key messages of enjoyment and rigour will make a massive difference to our teaching and learning in History and other subjects.‘
Graham Beeden (Headteacher of Grange Primary School - South Ealing)
The course has made me challenge myself and really think about the impact of my teaching.’
Gemma (Course participant)
I think it has been the most useful 6 sessions of training in my whole teaching career...and I don’t say this lightly’
Sonia (Course participant)
I developed confidence in my own teaching and learnt many techniques and ideas.’
Laura (Course participant)
Reference by Kate Norfolk (Headteacher of Norwood Green Junior School)
"Leysa is an exceedingly talented teacher who has very sound pedagogy about teaching and actively seeks to develop the whole child. Her teaching style ensures that all pupils develop improved meta-cognition and that they become more developed thinkers. Her ability to facilitate the children in developing their own learning is impressive and the motivation and positive response from children is evident as a result. Pupil autonomy and independence is valued greatly by Leysa.
Leysa is extremely conscientious and talented teacher and was a very highly valued member of staff. Less experienced members of staff have benefitted enormously from observing her teaching and her management. She has a bit of a wicked sense of humour and this is always used to great effect both within the classroom and the staffroom! I have always greatly valued Leysa’s skill as a teacher and manager and would not hesitate to work with her again given the chance."
Natasha Dodwell - Grange Primary School
I cannot thank you enough for the support and guidance you have given me over the last few months. On entering my second year as a teacher I found myself overwhelmed and losing confidence as my school was going through many changes and I was beginning to feel my skills were not up to the demands. Having you as a mentor and coach allowed me to build on my strengths and explore new teaching styles with confidence: you encouraged and empowered me at every point allowing me to step away from the constraints of an NQT mind set.
In addition, the history inset and specialist science support you have provided has given both me and my colleagues so many new ideas and ways to deliver a more interesting curriculum. I now feel much more capable and motivated having a acquired a much broader skills base and the confidence to deliver it.
I just wish I could work with you every week!
Comments from the Berkshire Teaching Alliance Course on Reading for Meaning
Were the objective met?
'Yes - thank you (smiley face). Lots and lots of ideas, activities to take away. Also valued 'book share' time and opportunity to discuss with other teachers. Interesting ideas for activities and books to use in the classroom.'
Comments on delivery:
'High quality PowerPoint and pack provided with resources and activity ideas. Really passionate and expert delivery of content.'
What will you do differently?
'Like the approach to 'compare across texts' using 'themes' as a way in. Ideas for guided reading an lots more. I will promote/model 'book/picture talk/ as part of staff INSET session.'
Sharon Yardley - Headteacher St Peter's C of E School
Stepping into a new headship, I found a need to accelerate students' writing skills. Not achieving the age related expectation in writing had led to the school being 10% below the national average for the combined reading, writing and mathematics headline figure. I needed someone to support the English team and asked Leysa to update schemes of work and use her wide ranging skills to coach inexperienced staff to develop and deliver the detailed lesson plans. Leysa delivered, and as a result, rapid progress was made in writing with the headline figure improving to 2% above the national average. Leysa continued to work with us for a second year completing a comprehensive programme for English at Upper Key Stage 2 and train our teaching assistants to support the delivery of the English curriculum. The headline figure 2016 rose to 5% above the national. Leysa’s work made a significant difference. If you are hesitating picking up the phone – don’t. Give Leysa a call, she is knowledgeable, professional, detailed and an inspiring coach.
Stepping into a new headship, I found a need to accelerate students' writing skills. Not achieving the age related expectation in writing had led to the school being 10% below the national average for the combined reading, writing and mathematics headline figure. I needed someone to support the English team and asked Leysa to update schemes of work and use her wide ranging skills to coach inexperienced staff to develop and deliver the detailed lesson plans. Leysa delivered, and as a result, rapid progress was made in writing with the headline figure improving to 2% above the national average. Leysa continued to work with us for a second year completing a comprehensive programme for English at Upper Key Stage 2 and train our teaching assistants to support the delivery of the English curriculum. The headline figure 2016 rose to 5% above the national. Leysa’s work made a significant difference. If you are hesitating picking up the phone – don’t. Give Leysa a call, she is knowledgeable, professional, detailed and an inspiring coach.
Celia Di Cintio (Newly Qualified Teacher from Canada - St Peter's Middle School)
I had recently moved to England and was teaching at a middle school. The education system is quite different to Canada and although I was managing, it was great to have Leysa come to the school.
Leysa helped me with understanding the national curriculum and how it works. She has guided me throughout my entire teaching at the school. She helped me mainly in English, as she is an English specialist, but anytime I had a question on other subjects or the school system, she was always there to help. We would meet during my free periods or after school to plan various units for English which would often link to other subjects. We would also plan grammar, spelling and guided reading lessons. At first, Leysa helped me a lot and as the months went on, she slowly guided me towards eventually doing the work myself, which is great as it helped me grow a lot as a teacher.
Leysa Henderson is a very supportive and encouraging person. If anyone has the opportunity to work with her I would highly encourage it.
I had recently moved to England and was teaching at a middle school. The education system is quite different to Canada and although I was managing, it was great to have Leysa come to the school.
Leysa helped me with understanding the national curriculum and how it works. She has guided me throughout my entire teaching at the school. She helped me mainly in English, as she is an English specialist, but anytime I had a question on other subjects or the school system, she was always there to help. We would meet during my free periods or after school to plan various units for English which would often link to other subjects. We would also plan grammar, spelling and guided reading lessons. At first, Leysa helped me a lot and as the months went on, she slowly guided me towards eventually doing the work myself, which is great as it helped me grow a lot as a teacher.
Leysa Henderson is a very supportive and encouraging person. If anyone has the opportunity to work with her I would highly encourage it.
Personal & Professional Development Workshops
'I have attended three out of the ten personal development workshops sessions with Leysa and so far I can honestly say in that very short time, Leysa has equipped us with tools and skills that I am already applying to my everyday life. I have made changes to the way I communicate in both my personal life and professional situations and have seen huge benefits to myself and others around me. Leysa is a very special person, her ability to communicate and share her knowledge with the group is remarkable and so far it has been an empowering experience. I am looking forward to the coming weeks when we will continue to develop and learn new skills which I can apply to different aspects of my life. If you would like to make positive changes for you, your family and your business, then the workshop is a must!'
Lily Glover
After a series of excellent one to one coaching sessions with Leysa, I was really keen to continue my personal development course and am so pleased I did. As well as having huge amounts of energy and enthusiasm, Leysa also knows how to captivate her audience and get you really thinking. I have found the sessions totally thought provoking and on a journey of deeper self understanding with a group of lovely, supportive women. Thank you Leysa.
Natalie Trice
Lily Glover
After a series of excellent one to one coaching sessions with Leysa, I was really keen to continue my personal development course and am so pleased I did. As well as having huge amounts of energy and enthusiasm, Leysa also knows how to captivate her audience and get you really thinking. I have found the sessions totally thought provoking and on a journey of deeper self understanding with a group of lovely, supportive women. Thank you Leysa.
Natalie Trice
Coaching Clients
"Coaching has been fabulous for me and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It taught me that a lot of the time, I have the solutions to problems already, I just needed to listen to myself, and to handle situations better by working things through in my own head first. It also enabled me to focus more on the positive, rather than weighing myself down with the, often small, negatives and to break challenges down into smaller, more easily manageable tasks. Leysa is a very calming influence, asking questions without ever leading and she is also extremely patient. She genuinely cares, and this is evident in the sessions. In the six months I spent working with Leysa, I have achieved all the goals set. These were mostly related to professional aims, but in changing the way I think about my work life this has also had a positive impact on my personal life. My sessions with Leysa have been invaluable, and I find myself asking, 'What would Leysa ask me?' when I am faced with challenges, or I need to achieve something I have previously been fearful of. These skills will stay with me forever. Thank you Leysa, you're amazing."
Claire Ford (Marlow)
"I had six sessions with Leysa over a three month period and the changes I have made in that time have been pretty amazing. Leysa gave me the space I needed to sit back and look at what was happening with my career and work life and where changes needed to be made so my whole life was more balanced and happy. The main thing my first session sparked was writing an eBook that can now be purchased on Amazon. I also created a new website and set up a new copy-writing business and secured my first client this week.
I quit my main PR contract that was draining my time and emotions and, whilst financially it is a loss, it gives me the time and freedom to find work I want to do. I have the focus now to also start on my non fiction book for mums and still have my plan to write a novel.
Leysa helped me get perspective again and find the confidence I had lost as a mother of young children and freelancer who was feeling out of the rat race – thank you. Leysa is professional and diligent and always knows the path best to follow but allows you to find your way and make those key decisions yourself. She is patient and calm and I am sure she will help many people in the future."
Natalie Trice (Marlow)
"Before I started my coaching sessions with Leysa, I had lots of goals and great ambition. I knew exactly what I wanted and how I was going to
get it. But for some reason, it wasn't happening. Leysa has taught me how to break down my big goals and ambitions, into smaller more realistic ones which have really helped me get into activity, build the momentum and help me on the path to success.
After just a few sessions, I noticed a huge difference in the way I was approaching my task list. It was such a great feeling to start achieving. And even when things didn't go quite to plan, Leysa was there to help find out why, what needed to happen to ensure success next time etc. Each time I stumbled and would normally have taken a few weeks to get back on track, one session with Leysa was all it took to feel back in control and on top of what I needed to do. The experience of "one step forward and two steps back" actually made me come back bigger and stronger. Next time I lose my way, I'll know exactly what to do to pick myself up, brush myself down and forge ahead.
Despite often knowing the theory of what I had to do, sometimes it takes someone else to ask the right questions to get you to see the way forward and Leysa has a great knack of asking the right questions to dig below the surface to find out what would really work and what would make a difference to you.
It's been a thoroughly uplifting and empowering experience and I'd highly recommend Leysa for dilemmas you may have in life. I'll never forget what Leysa has helped me achieve."
Jan Nicholls (Marlow) - Small Business Owner
I have really enjoyed all aspects of my coaching with Leysa. Her coaching has made me feel accountable for my thoughts and actions. I have achieved things professionally and personally that have been on my 'to do' list for over a year. I feel more in control of my own life and realise that positive affirmative action can make a dramatic difference to all aspects of my life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to someone looking for a life coach.
Claire Winter (Marlow) - Business Owner and Publisher
"Leysa is warm friendly person and it has been a pleasure working with her over the past few weeks. She gently coaches you into defining your goals and finding your own steps to achieving them. Leysa has helped me reframe my attitude towards my work in a very positive way, helping my business advance better than ever before."
Holly-Anne Whyte (Berkshire) - Small Business Owner
Claire Ford (Marlow)
"I had six sessions with Leysa over a three month period and the changes I have made in that time have been pretty amazing. Leysa gave me the space I needed to sit back and look at what was happening with my career and work life and where changes needed to be made so my whole life was more balanced and happy. The main thing my first session sparked was writing an eBook that can now be purchased on Amazon. I also created a new website and set up a new copy-writing business and secured my first client this week.
I quit my main PR contract that was draining my time and emotions and, whilst financially it is a loss, it gives me the time and freedom to find work I want to do. I have the focus now to also start on my non fiction book for mums and still have my plan to write a novel.
Leysa helped me get perspective again and find the confidence I had lost as a mother of young children and freelancer who was feeling out of the rat race – thank you. Leysa is professional and diligent and always knows the path best to follow but allows you to find your way and make those key decisions yourself. She is patient and calm and I am sure she will help many people in the future."
Natalie Trice (Marlow)
"Before I started my coaching sessions with Leysa, I had lots of goals and great ambition. I knew exactly what I wanted and how I was going to
get it. But for some reason, it wasn't happening. Leysa has taught me how to break down my big goals and ambitions, into smaller more realistic ones which have really helped me get into activity, build the momentum and help me on the path to success.
After just a few sessions, I noticed a huge difference in the way I was approaching my task list. It was such a great feeling to start achieving. And even when things didn't go quite to plan, Leysa was there to help find out why, what needed to happen to ensure success next time etc. Each time I stumbled and would normally have taken a few weeks to get back on track, one session with Leysa was all it took to feel back in control and on top of what I needed to do. The experience of "one step forward and two steps back" actually made me come back bigger and stronger. Next time I lose my way, I'll know exactly what to do to pick myself up, brush myself down and forge ahead.
Despite often knowing the theory of what I had to do, sometimes it takes someone else to ask the right questions to get you to see the way forward and Leysa has a great knack of asking the right questions to dig below the surface to find out what would really work and what would make a difference to you.
It's been a thoroughly uplifting and empowering experience and I'd highly recommend Leysa for dilemmas you may have in life. I'll never forget what Leysa has helped me achieve."
Jan Nicholls (Marlow) - Small Business Owner
I have really enjoyed all aspects of my coaching with Leysa. Her coaching has made me feel accountable for my thoughts and actions. I have achieved things professionally and personally that have been on my 'to do' list for over a year. I feel more in control of my own life and realise that positive affirmative action can make a dramatic difference to all aspects of my life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to someone looking for a life coach.
Claire Winter (Marlow) - Business Owner and Publisher
"Leysa is warm friendly person and it has been a pleasure working with her over the past few weeks. She gently coaches you into defining your goals and finding your own steps to achieving them. Leysa has helped me reframe my attitude towards my work in a very positive way, helping my business advance better than ever before."
Holly-Anne Whyte (Berkshire) - Small Business Owner
Reiki
'I had the pleasure of being involved in Reiki One and then Reiki Two with Leysa Henderson. I was quite apprehensive when I first went along and Leysa's friendly smile and attitude soon relaxed me. What a wonderful course. I loved the first one so much I went back for more. Leysa has a calmness about her and a great way of teaching that you can only just absorb all the knowledge so easily. I remember one instance when it was too hot to be inside and we went outside to do our treatments on each other. While we were doing this a baby fawn and baby fox sat together and watched us from the bush (just blew us away!). I am on the other side of the world now, but still feel Leysa's presence in my everyday life. She has changed me by giving me the tools to share Reiki with others. I just love giving a "treatment" and seeing the positive result.'
Sue South (New Zealand)
Sue South (New Zealand)