Carew Academy 
Students at the heart of Central Teams Development Day
Colleagues from Central Teams came together for our annual Development Day on Monday 23rd June at The Grange. The focus was very much on our students and how we work together to transform lives. It was an opportunity for staff who support the academies and College Centres from all departments including finance, HR, payroll, marketing, facilities and IT to gain a deeper understanding of the Trust and reflect on the achievements of the year.
The day began with a fun getting to know you activity and then our CEO John Prior gave an overview on the landscape in which the Trust operates and an update on the organisation’s strategy.
James Kearns, Principal of Carew Academy, gave an inspiring presentation about Project Butterfly, a whole school initiative that had been designed by the school to guide the community through the transition to their fantastic new building, that opened to pupils in April this year.
Students were again the focus of a presentation by Julia James, Executive Director of Quality and Standards, who described our students and the wide range of needs across the Trust.
Another exciting new project, the Sutton Life Centre, was shared with the team by Kelly Philips, Executive Principal of Orchard Hill College and Diane Brazier, Director of Estates & Facilities Management. The centre will provide 72 places for College and a hub to provide practical support and guidance for young people with SEND transitioning to adult life.
After lunch Emmet Murphy, Principal of Bedelsford School, gave an overview of his school and the students there, all of whom have complex health needs. He described taking all 130 students to Chessington World of Adventures and said despite the numerous challenges, this is an absolute highlight of everyone’s year.
The final two presentations of the day were on Sustainability and Climate Action Planning by Joanna Bailey and Chloe-Jade Bishop-Wright and Governance, the OHCAT way by Caroline Davies, both key priorities within the organisation.
The day finished with the annual Staff Awards where staff are recognised for CREATE values as voted by their colleagues.
Finally, Laurie Cornwell, Deputy CEO, closed the day by saying how it had been a fantastic opportunity to remind ourselves why we do what we do.
Feedback from staff attending the event highlighted how much people appreciated connecting with the purpose of what we do and gaining a deeper understanding of the schools and our students.
