Noticings of a new Head Teacher 3

Last week, confirmed to me that great things rarely happen because of the thoughts or actions of just one brilliant person. In successful organisations it is often the combined strength and support of the many understanding a shared vision which has the biggest impact. My school is brimming with examples of this….

A Y4 EAL child on his second day at our school was obviously distressed in the morning and tried to run away as he got off the bus. Within less than 30 seconds help appeared from every corner of our lovely building. From teachers and teaching assistants, to office staff and concierges. Everyone moved in harmony and unison to do the best for the child. What amazed me was not the speed, but the collective expert understanding of what the child’s needs were, the best strategies to use and, most importantly, that the only priority for that young boy was to go home feeling happy and confident to come to school. Throughout the day there was a seamless network of support, to ensure that that was exactly what happened. As a Head Teacher it is wonderful to feel such a sense of unity in our team. My best moment of the week was receiving a photo the next day from a teacher on gate duty showing the same boy giving a thumbs up and smiling as he walked into school. What a difference those staff have made to that child. That is what true Education is all about.