ABSTRACT
Creating a community of mentoring and coaching is concerned with developing a whole-school ethos that not only values the continued development of teachers as learners, but sees it as a key priority for school improvement. This chapter explores how this ethos is created and maintained in schools, exploring the principles that underpin it and the actions, systems and procedures that ensure mentoring and coaching have a high impact on teacher practice. It specifically examines how lead mentors create a community of mentoring and coaching within the primary school. It begins with a focus on mentoring and the role of the lead mentor. Mentors are assigned on the basis of their experience, expertise and personal motivation to work closely with a new teacher, to ensure the best outcomes for the new teacher and their pupils. Mentors have appropriate professional development opportunities to ensure that they understand the role and responsibilities of the mentor.
