“I want to say how useful today has been working with Andy. We have just had a comprehensive feedback session and we have got plenty to help us moving forward. As well as being very experienced he seems like a really nice person and easy to work with.”  Local Headteacher

In March 2022, Inspiring Leaders began working with Andy Griffiths of Callery Ltd, a highly experienced former Headteacher and Head of Education for Aberdeenshire Council in Scotland who has worked with us to deliver some strategic Pupil Premium support.

In this short blog, Andy discusses his time visiting schools across the Mansfield and Ashfield area and provides some key questions for schools to think about in the future.

Headteachers in the area, involved in the DFE funded, place-based planning project had requested a review of their Pupil Premium strategies with a view to ensuring they are considering all possible support opportunities for their pupils to achieve.

Here is what Andy had to say:

“I have really enjoyed my time in Nottinghamshire. The schools involved have been welcoming of this support and challenge and I have found the staff and pupils to honest, approachable, and great to work with.

During my reviews I have been discussing with school leaders what support schools have in place for pupils and families in their school communities, with a focus on is how they continue to improve their engagement and learning strategies and parent relationships. This focus has been at the heart of the challenge I have provided to schools.

From my time visiting the area, I have reflected on what I have seen and experienced which has left me with some thought provoking questions.

    1.    How will schools effectively support young people in contributing views of all learners and ensure they are involved in shaping their own learning?

    2.    What would help families who find it difficult to engage with schools, to overcome barriers and find a way of being active members of the school community?

    3.    What other strategies could schools deploy to provide aspirational and motivational experiences for Pupil Premium learners?

    4.    How could schools encourage teachers to engage in thinking strategies to help deepen reflection and challenge habits in a positive way?

    5.    Is there a value in school leaders networking and collaboration to support sharing their positive ideas, growing learning as well as supporting ongoing and deep leadership development for their schools, especially around the performance of pupil premium pupils?

Having met some of the Inspiring Leaders team who provide schools and MATs with great leadership, professional learning, and development experiences, I have been enthused by their professionalism, commitment, innovative ideas, willingness to be open and engaging and provide. There is no question that they can provide useful capacity to schools in the area, addressing some of the key questions noted above.

I hope this leaves you with some lasting thoughts and to the people who I have worked with in their last week. There is, without question, some excellent practice in the schools I have visited and a commitment to learning and sharing with other schools is palpable.”

The Impact of Andy’s visits has been immediately felt. One of the local Headteachers spoke to us and reported that Andy provided a great balance of support and challenge and that there were some very obvious next steps for where next they develop their practice in school.

If you would like to know more about how Inspiring Leaders could support your school, MAT or partnership, please get in touch by emailing bjordan@inspiringleaderstoday.com

Our thanks to Andy Griffiths for his support.