It's not always tough at the top

Back in 2010 I was invited by Chapel Road School in Attleborough to try to solve a conundrum. This special needs school was doing an amazing job in totally inadequate buildings. Every bid for capital to build a new school fell short; there always seemed to be a stronger case made by others elsewhere.

And so I set about exploring alternative ways of securing both a site and the ￡12m needed to build the school. Because I work independently, I could ask the questions others felt they could not ask. I unpicked the problem and discovered, with help from the DfE and Capita, a way to fund the new build from revenue savings elsewhere.

With the help of local MP George Freeman, I also introduced then Minister Michael Gove to the school. He saw with his own eyes the urgent need for a new campus. He also impressed us all with his knowledge of British Sign Language and his flexibility on a digital twister mat.

After one false start, I finally found a site too, with the landowner generously gifting the land. By a process of asking inconvenient questions, challenging assumptions and at times, defusing tension, I finally got a result. Yesterday, I stood on top of the new building to witness the topping out ceremony.

There's something quite special about seeing a project through to completion in such a phyiscal and memorable way. If you look here, you will find a transcript of Terry, the Chair of Governors rooftop speech. The journey was long and arduous, but when we finally got to the top, it wasn't tough at all!