Inaugural ATLP Induction Day hailed as a great success

A piece of Arthur Terry Learning Partnership history was created when the Trust held its first ever induction day at Harvest Fields Centre in Sutton Coldfield.

After being welcomed by children from across the Partnership by way of a specially-commissioned video, 29 new recruits – both teachers and support staff – listened to talks from key ATLP figures and enjoyed discussions with each other as they embarked on their careers with the company.

Richard Gill CBE, the ATLP’s CEO, said: “Our greatest commitment is to our children, who get one chance to make the most of their education. Together we are stronger and it’s together that we will create the best opportunities for children to thrive.

“It’s a delight to speak to our new starters at our first induction day. The ATLP is a very special employer because we look after 10,500 children and to do that successfully we have to look after our staff, which events such as this help to do.”

ATLP Chief Finance and Operations Officer Simon Smith said: “We are always looking for ideas on how to do things better, because we understand how big an impact we have across communities to try and achieve happy lifestyles for our children and their families.

“One of the ways we do this is by promoting fairness and equity across the Partnership and providing the same opportunities for all. Understanding this from the outset of your journey with us is extremely important.”

Among the new recruits is Veronika Green, who has just begun her second term as a TA at Slade Primary School in Erdington.

She lavished praised on the induction day and said: “It’s fantastic and important to meet people from across the Partnership. The feeling I get is that people’s well-being is engrained in the culture of the company and this helps to provide the best environment for everyone to help our children.

“The ATLP is such a big organisation, so it’s great to bring people together in this way, especially at the start of their journeys with the company. It’s vital that we all know the support is there for us when we need it.

“I have hugely enjoyed my time at Slade so far. The children are engaged and there is a real sense of belonging among pupils and staff, which is the case across the Partnership.”

Director of Human Resources Sandra Martin added: “All schools face challenges and some of our schools have more challenges than others, but they will all get better and provide ever-improving platforms for children to succeed thanks to the wonderfully talented people who have joined the Partnership.”

The induction sessions will now take place on an ongoing basis every September, January and around Easter time.

Main picture: The ATLP’s Digital Transformation Lead Richard Anderton discusses the Learning Futures project with our new starters.