Tomkins
Education
"Chris is a brilliant listener. She also knows how to ask the right questions; questions that gently challenge you and help you to find the right solutions for you and your particular setting."
Pam Robinson, Mary Hare Primary School
"I have known Chris for over 30 years, first as a colleague and now as a friend. She is a very
professional, highly skilled practitioner with many years of experience at all levels in education.
Following a successful teaching career, she worked as a local authority advisor before taking up a
deputy headship role ,leading on to her time as a successful Headteacher in two different schools.
Following this, Chris was appointed as senior School Improvement Partner/ Primary Advisor for a
local authority. I have been working with her more recently as part of a team in a multi-academy
trust. She is a loyal and hardworking team player, one who will always work to the highest of
standards and can be relied upon to provide excellent support to schools. Her work in leadership
development is particularly effective."
Maggie Donaldson
"As headteacher of an outstanding primary school she always sought ways to further improve the children’s education... She brings insightful observations to her work, backed by a rigorous approach and a wealth of knowledge... I rely on her wisdom to enhance our effectiveness"
Liz Kounnou, Independent School Improvement Partner
"Working with Chris was instrumental in helping move our school from RI to Good. The support and challenge that she provided to leaders at all levels, was personalised to allow all to develop and move their departments/subjects forward. There was a clear focus on process as well as interpersonal skills to ensure leaders were able to get the best out of the team members. At the heart of all that Chris does is what is best for the children!
We will continue to work with Chris on our journey to outstanding!
Head Teacher, Moorlands Primary
"I worked with Chris Tomkins for very many years, initially as a fellow Headteacher, then as a member of the Local Authority and more recently as an independent school improvement consultant. Staff attended Chris’ external courses and she also provided in house leadership training for our senior leaders.
Chris has highly developed personal and interpersonal skills. Staff were always at ease when working with her and gave positive feedback on her effectiveness. Preparation was excellent with time spent clarifying the training’s objectives and the needs of the staff.
Chris also carried out a mini school review at my school in 2017. She is a very experienced Ofsted Inspector and used this to great effect. Her feedback and questioning were very thorough and interaction with all staff was extremely professional."
"Chris has a very keen focus on outcomes for children’s learning and their welfare and her approach to her work with schools is entirely based on this. Her background as a teacher, Headteacher and Ofsted Inspector has given her a very deep knowledge of pupil needs and effective school provision.
I recommend Chris as an asset to any school’s improvement plan."
Sue Farrow, Headteacher (now retired), Geoffrey Field Infant School