CEO Blog

• School of Sanctuary

  Mon 28 Nov 2022

  Our young people at Field Lane School have been working hard to define what it means to be a School of Sanctuary. They have produced a truly wonderful display on their main school corridor entitled, 'Humanity Inspired' although the photograph accompanying this blog does not do it justice. Please take time to have a look, first hand, if you have the privilege to visit Field Lane School. 

   

  The children have produced some truly outstanding artwork to illustrate the different challenges many people sadly face in their lives, and there are some extremely heartfelt descriptions of how hard life can be and how we can, and should, all help each other through those difficult times.

   

  One that really caught my eye was a beautiful illustration of a boulder in the road. Both the text and the sketch were produced by a Year 3 child and it reads: 'This is a bump in the road. It is a metaphor for finding something difficult or a problem that you can't solve. These bumps get deeper and deeper, harder and harder to solve.'

   

  The children talked about how we can work together to help overcome our bumps in the road. This really is humanity inspired. Let's work hard to develop our resilience to overcome our own challenges and bumps in the road, and support others to overcome theirs.

   

  TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More. 

  

• ​Always be the best version of yourself

  Mon 21 Nov 2022

  ​Last week across our family of schools we were raising awareness of anti-bullying and ensuring everyone knows bullying has no place in Batley (or anywhere!). All of our schools are proactive in their anti-bullying campaigns everyday of every week, every week of every year.

   

  Bullying has no place in our schools, and when it happens it is dealt with quickly and effectively. Our mantra is every adult and every young person should always be the very best version of themselves and treat others respectfully, as they would wish to be treated themselves. Learning to understand and manage conflict is an important part of growing up. Bullying is not simply 'falling out.' Research shows that experiencing bullying can have a significant impact on a child's life well into adulthood.

   

  Our schools have held special assemblies, school council meetings, shared anti-bullying charters and celebrated Odd Socks Day to raise awareness of anti-bullying. Look out for our new displays and tweets. Bullying has no place here. 

  

• Always Remember

  Mon 14 Nov 2022

  On Friday 11 November our family of schools paid their respects to all those who have fallen in the line of duty, and all those families who have lost their loved ones. Our schools held special remembrance assemblies and a two minute silence at 11am as a time for reflection.

   

  Remembrance Day is observed to mark the end of the First World War when hostilities ended with the armistice signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

   

  Children from Healey School made their own wreath and attended a special memorial event at the Cenotaph in Batley on Friday, with people from across our community, local councillors and our local MP. Up and down the country, and across the world, people remember all those who have suffered and made such huge sacrifices for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. 

  

• Equal to Everything

  Mon 07 Nov 2022

  Welcome back. We hope you have enjoyed a great half term break and spent some quality time with family and friends. I was very fortunate over half term to be invited to the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court. These behind the scenes tours were fascinating and it was great to meet so many inspiring individuals and hear their career stories. Careers' education and raising aspirations is a key part of our Trust's work across our family of schools, enabling all our young people to be the best version of themselves and achieve their goals. 

   

  The image accompanying this week's blog hangs in the CEO's office of the Supreme Court in London, and is a perfect example of how to achieve success in life. You need to work hard, follow your dreams and be resilient. The illustration comes from the wonderful book "Equal to Everything" based on Baroness Brenda Hale, a young girl from Yorkshire who worked hard and went on to achieve success as a lawyer, and then progressed to become the President of the Supreme Court. She was the first woman to ever hold this position.

   

  The story of Baroness Hale and her career journey is a wonderful example of female ambition and determination, and her work on the Children Act 1989 helped to place children's welfare at the centre of all of the decisions made about them. An inspiring lady, with an inspiring career and a wonderful example of how hard work in school, can pave the way for an exciting future ahead.