Going the extra mile – CEO blog

By ATLP CEO, Richard Gill.

What a difference a year makes. Last May, my message to you focused on examinations and forthcoming summer events. This year, as we head into the half-term break, we are making plans of a different kind, both inside school and out.

Our schools will remain open during half-term to vulnerable students and the children of key workers. I’m truly humbled by all those staff members who are working hard to facilitate this. To those staff – to all staff – thank you for going the extra mile throughout.

This week, I have written to staff and parents to outline our plans for the coming half-term. Across the ATLP we talk about ‘courageous’ leadership, and, as we make some difficult decisions, our expertise and experience will be the backbone of our collective decision-making.

Being a leader can be a lonely position in some organisations, but across our partnership I am fortunate to be surrounded by dynamic leaders and teams, with the unwavering support of our trust board. We do not know what lies ahead, but we do know that trust, support, collaboration and a shared moral purpose, makes us stronger together.

This week is ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’ and many thanks to schools for sharing valuable resources across social media and online. Half-term will provide a much needed opportunity for both staff and children to recharge, and it is important that you take time to relax and do something you enjoy. This is not a sprint, and we must make sure that we have the physical, mental and emotional reserves to move forward.

This week also marks the end of Ramadan on Saturday, followed by Eid al-Fitr on Sunday, and while this year’s celebrations may be a little different to usual, I’d like to wish our staff and families the happiest of holidays.

Many of you have been taking advantage of the ‘Virtual Learning Suite’ programme delivered by professional coach, Rebecca Wray. Recent sessions have focused on health and well-being and the importance of sleep, diet and exercise, and feedback shows that you are finding the course helpful.

It’s wonderful to see the updates on social media of our learning communities enjoying the benefits of exercise and healthy routines. Each day, we are greeted with pictures of children joining in classes with Joe Wickes, playing outside at school, or taking family walks around their local area.

This time last year, 250 pupils were at the starting line of the 25^th annual ‘Hill West Runs’ around Sutton Park. The races may not be going ahead as usual, but families are still completing the route as part of their daily exercise. The PFTA are fundraising through a ‘virtual run’ and all proceeds will go towards buying a treat for children (to be determined!) for when pupils are reunited.

Gold medals to all of our volunteers and supporters, whose dedication and ingenuity ensure that our schools are at the heart of their communities.

Inspirational year 4 marathon runner Roxy, from Curdworth School, has also been raising funds for a good cause. You can read more on her impressive journey here: https://www.atlp.org.uk/roxy-keeps-her-distance-for-charity/

The first female winner of the Boston Marathon, Des Linden, said: “Stepping outside the comfort zone is the price I pay to find out how good I can be.” Right now we are all being asked to step outside of our comfort zones. This will require courage and conviction; there may be diversions and boundaries; we may stumble occasionally; but our commitment to our profession and our dedication to those communities we serve, remains unfaltering.

Enjoy a restful and sunny half-term.

Richard