The Inclusive Leadership event that joined forces between Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School at Insignis Academy Trust & Buckinghamshire New University was such a valuable learning experience for all of us.
Thank you to our speakers for pushing people to challenge themselves & be reflective practitioners. You showed us that learning as we go is key & that standing still won't do.
Some key reflections from me:
- The HE/FE/Secondary conversation is big and joining forces is pioneering. I thank Zahara Chowdhury for having the vision to bring these together and infectious drive to bring me on board with that.
- Inclusive practice in Bucks schools has had its phases and Khaiam Shabbir , Suma Din and me reflected on the turning point here. We have seen schools come along with us and forge their own paths in some ways, as a slow and bumpy journey over recent years. I've been running events, suppporting departments/individuals and signposting CPD in Bucks for about 10 years, learning with Michelle Perkins for most of those. This is the first time I felt like sustainable, organisational change is on the way with headteachers, governors , HR & trustees in the room. Suma said she was proud of me for leading schools to this and, of course, I'm proud to stand on her shoulders.
- Discussions with Nicola Renyard, Dan Colquhoun & Beny during Rachel MacFarlane's workshop meant that meaningful, immediate change will happen in our schools as we realised things we each do that would help one another improve. This is, quite literally, what it means to have a seat at the table.
- Disruption. We need it! And we also need to rebuild. The connections made & workshops attended showed us all that we can move beyond disruption & towards rebuilding education to be a space where young people thrive & grow in a collaborative space. No doubt, as Aisha Richards pushed me to note, with lots of further disruption (& rebuilding) as we go.
- DEI isn't what this work is. Running great schools/education organisations is what this work is. Professor Damien Page made his commitments to this clear.
- Adam Vasco made the valid point that supporting marginalised groups isn't the solution. Changing the marginalisers is. (Paraphrased - my wording)
- Student voice is incredibly powerful and I'm eager to see how Robina Ruby Begum 's work with BNU on reverse mentoring unfolds. The safeguarding element of this cant be lost and I'm looking forward to a follow up conversation with Dr Dionne Spencer about how we both use voice in our settings.
- Insignis staff attended both of Hannah Wilson FCCT FRSA ACC sessions and have already started plans for next steps in the Trust. Whilst many have engaged with Diverse Educators before, sitting together with time to connect ideas and join dots has had a real impact. This is obvious - we would make time to discuss finances or safeguarding. We must make & use time for this.
I'm feeling inspired, motivated & excited about what comes next!
Deputy Principal at Chisholm Catholic College
1moCongratulations Nancy! Well deserved recognition for your excellent professionalism and consulting skills!