CEO Blog

• Compassionate Leadership

  Mon 25 Nov 2024

  I was delighted to attend the Compassionate Leadership event in Birmingham on Friday, with a group of like-minded, highly-committed and compassionate leaders. The purpose of the event was to look at how leaders can excel in education, but also what leaders can learn from each other across different sectors, not only in the field of education. 

   

  In an increasingly insecure and troubled world, a kinder and more humane education system is a moral imperative and is worth striving for. The day was superbly planned and facilitated by the wonderful Maggie Farrar and Steve Elliott and was kick started by the brilliant Professor Michael West, whose work in the Health and Social care sector demonstrates the hugely significant impact compassionate leadership can have on patients.

   

  In a world where we can be anything, we can choose to be kind, and show compassion to ourselves and to others. Compassionate leadership isn't about being 'soft and fluffy', it is about leading with honesty and integrity, and not shying away from those difficult conversations that need to take place. Compassionate leadership really is about doing the hard things, in a human way.

   

  As Barack Obama once said, "Do we settle for the world as it is, or do we work for the world as it should be?". Our young people get one start in life, and their education has the potential to make their future a great one. Providing a first-class education requires the very best staff and that's what our children deserve, the best. Our colleagues also deserve great working environments and to be part of fantastic, high-performing teams. Our role, as leaders, is to ensure that happens, and that we build compassionate cultures in our schools and the communities we serve. 

  

• Charity in our community

  Mon 18 Nov 2024

  As a Trust family of schools, we place high value on activities and events to support charities. Every year our school councils and learner leadership groups decide which charities they would like to support and why. Not only do they learn about the importance of charity work, but they also learn about democracy at the same time. Our learners vote and some schools support one main charity each year, others support one each term, that is for our young people to decide. Our learners choose charities that are close to their hearts, and all our young people are passionate about helping others, especially those less fortunate than themselves.

   

  Last week we saw some wonderful fundraising activities across our family of schools to support Children in Need. Our staff and learners were creative in how they could raise money, and they did a superb job whilst having fun at the same time. In Batley learning doesn't start and stop at the school gates.

   

  We also saw everyone across our Trust family of schools supporting Anti-Bullying Week last week. There were odd socks worn everywhere to symbolise that everyone is different, everyone is unique and we should share and celebrate those differences. We all have far more in common than that which divides us. 

  

• Lest we forget

  Mon 11 Nov 2024
  This week our Trust family of schools are remembering those who lost their lives or were injured, and those who lost loved ones, in order for us to live life as we know it, and for us to experience the freedoms we have today. We recognise they gave their tomorrows for our today. Many of our young people and staff supported remembrance events on Sunday to demonstrate their respect for others. 

   

  Currently we continue to see deeply troubling times around the world. Our young people know the importance of community, and that community makes us. The unity in community is crucial; our school councils and learner leadership groups take part every year in some wonderful social action projects to ensure we do all we can to help others. Our wider community and charity work is a crucial part of what we do in Batley. Education does not start and stop at the school gates.

   

  Many of our families have been celebrating Diwali recently and the festival of lights celebrates new beginnings, light over darkness, and hope over despair. This is fitting both today on Armistice day, and in light of the conflicts around the world. 

   

  On this theme, we reflect on the words of the poet Amanda Gorman; "For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it."

  

• Award Winning Success for UBHS

  Mon 04 Nov 2024

  Welcome back! We hope you have enjoyed the half term break. It has been a very busy time across our Trust family of schools with site development work. We are constantly improving our learning environments and the school holiday period is when the magic happens in order to keep all our buildings in tip top condition! Our caretakers and site teams work hard, together with external contractors, and we are very proud of our exceptional team. 

   

  We would also like to congratulate UBHS on their superb success with their recent Modeshift STARS Award. UBHS was deemed the regional Modeshift STARS winner for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, for their exceptional work, which means they have now been invited to the National Awards in London. UBHS have been recognised as demonstrating excellence in supporting a 'healthy body, healthy mind' approach with cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable and active travel to and from school, and in the wider community. UBHS is keen to keep all learners fit and healthy and one great way to do this is by learners walking or cycling to school on a daily basis.  

   

  This is a superb achievement and is testament to UBHS's commitment to health and wellbeing, road safety and environmental sustainability. Well done to everyone involved and we wish you the very best of luck for the national final!