It’s been about 6 weeks since I sent out my last briefing at the start of January and after a hectic half term there’s lots of information to share with you all! It’s been a really great start to the spring and there’s loads to be excited about as we rush toward Easter.

At both Hilltop and Pennine View our Headteachers have led sessions with the local governing bodies to review and refresh the school visions and mission statements. I was lucky enough to be at both sessions and everyone who attended seemed really engaged and invigorated by the discussions.

On the 19th January we were interviewed for the Doncaster Free Special School and on 23rd January we were then interviewed for the Sheffield Free Special School (crikey!). I was really pleased (and proud) of our performance at both interviews. Frustratingly, we won’t hear about the outcome of the interviews until April (maybe May!), so I’ve buried my excitement for the time being, as that’s just too many sleepless nights to suffer!

I’m really grateful that I was invited to a parent and carer meeting at Hilltop on 25th January by our Parent & Carer Ambassador, Vic Harrop. It was lovely to be asked to meet with families and David Burdett and I were asked some really good questions that re-iterated why we set Nexus MAT up in the first place. It’s great to see such peer support across our parent and carer community and Vic continues to put in countless hours to help others voluntarily. Thank you, Vic!

On 29th January 2018 I had the privilege of joining a select few other CEOs from across the country in London to meet with the Ofsted Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman to explore what a MAT inspection framework could look like. It was a fascinating meeting!

I was also lucky enough to be invited to meet with the National Schools Commissioner Sir David Carter on 13th February in Nottingham, alongside our Regional Schools Commissioner John Edwards, where I was asked to contribute to a wide ranging discussion on MAT development. I think it’s really progressive that our Trust is being invited to take part in national policy-steering discussions and this gives us a great platform to share our good practice.

I think my favorite part of the last half term was once again playing the role of judge at the annual “Pennine View’s Got Talent” event! It was a brilliant afternoon with such talented children and young people showcasing their abilities! Next year, we’re going to need a bigger venue...!

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