The focus of this edition of Horizons is Creative Development and as the CEO of the Trust I can often feel a million miles from creativity.  But on reflection the statements that sit under the Creative Development driver of ‘imagination and creativity’, ‘curious’, ‘purposeful’, ‘adaptative’, ‘builds links’ and ‘independent thinker’ could actually be lifted from my job specification.

What this clearly demonstrates to me is that the skills and aptitudes that we as a Trust value, nurture and teach are core to the future success of our pupils and young people. 

As many colleagues will be aware the Trust has moved firmly into the ‘special arena’ and with that has come the need to be unique, bold and creative.  While the addition of two new Special schools is the most obvious development, we are also engaging in projects across the Trust that are reinforcing our commitment to serving all children and young people.  Some have started, some are lined up and I am sure that some are yet to be imagined.  During this academic year we have:

• Welcomed Riverwalk and Warren Schools to Consortium.
• Strengthened our Inclusion team, appointing a Head of Service for Inclusion, doubling the number of central SENDCOs and pastoral support workers within our mainstream settings.
• Are developing a Consortium ‘special curriculum’ that dovetails into our drivers and mainstream provision.
• Started building a new Specialist Unit at Barnby and North Cove Primary.
• Secured formal registration for ‘The Link’ to operate as a commissioned Appropriate Provision (AP), close to our Waveney Valley Partnership Schools.
• Made an application to run a new Special Free School in Great Yarmouth.
• Secured a new SEMH Specialist Resource Base at Winterton Primary.
• Agreed with Suffolk to open two respite holiday school programs.

None of this is possible without the creative development, imagination and sheer hard work of numerous colleagues across our Trust.  I am truly proud and grateful for your contributions. 

With sincere thanks

Andrew