Our hour – CEO blog

A week is a long time – and not just in politics. This has been seven days to remember. An early May Bank Holiday on a Friday, VE Day celebrations amid the backdrop of a socially distanced capital, and speeches by both the Queen and Prime Minister within the space of 24 hours.

On Monday, ATLP schools communicated with our learning communities following the Ministerial address. We will continue to follow DfE guidance and keep you all updated over the coming weeks. As a partnership, we are committed to supporting all of our children, staff and parents/carers at this difficult time.

We are still facing uncertainty and challenge, but we will experience this together, with (as our sovereign reminded us on Sunday) ‘the love and care that we have for each other.'”

Last weekend’s milestone anniversary marked 75 years since the allied forces declared Victory in Europe. Across the country, households celebrated from their doorsteps – and our ATLP families did us proud.

Our schools had originally planned a raft of VE Day activities, from street parties to afternoon tea. And while those plans may have changed direction, I can see from the many uplifting social media posts that we all enjoyed a good time with neighbours and family.

Leading the celebrations was the inspirational Colonel Tom Moore, who raised an incredible £30 million for the NHS. He is one of the heroes to feature in the new charity colouring book ‘Lockdown Legends’ that has been created by former Coleshill students, with proceeds going to the NHS. Our students in school – many of whom are the children of keyworkers – have had great fun with their copies of the books. Keep an eye on the ATLP website www.atlp.org.uk for the full story.

The commemoration of VE Day draws many parallels with our current age – a nation joining together to face the extraordinary events in their lifetime. And, just as our parents and grandparents may recall that momentous day in 1945, our own children will one day tell their children and grandchildren stories of the spring 2020.

We cannot predict what lies ahead, but our lives will be influenced and changed by this pandemic. We cannot alter the course of history, but we can each play a small role in helping to shape young lives.

ATLP headteachers were once asked by a senior education leader what our legacy would be. Our answer was unanimous: “to assure the futures of our children and young people.” The attributes that we wished to impart on our students included ambition, resilience, integrity, kindness and empathy.

I’m pleased to see that these remain constant, the lights that guide us. It fills me with such pride and respect to see our schools, families and students demonstrating these values every day.

Thank you being our very own ‘lockdown legends’ and for doing so with grace and strength.  We do not know what the next week will bring, or the week after that, but I am confident that you will teach our children to “keep smiling through.”

I am forever grateful for all that you do and humbled by your spirit of teamwork.

Stay safe,

Richard