I’ve managed to spend time with the children and young people at all of our sites this week.

It really is brilliant to see all of our secondary youngsters at Hollinwood Academy so relaxed. I even managed a game of football in the ball hall at lunchtime, although I nearly needed oxygen afterwards – the Key Stage 3 boys gave me a right run around!!

Our New Bridge children never cease to amaze me with their generosity of spirit to each other. When I show visitors around I see the school through their eyes and realise there is so much that we often take for granted. I am absolutely blown away with the way our ‘buddies’ support their peers, it is wonderful to watch them in action. Likewise, the maturity that our young people on our pathways constantly exhibit can only help them in the future.

Josh, our famous Oldham fan at the Learning Centre, has been ribbing me all week. Apparently Latics are definitely going to beat Bury this weekend but I’m going for a diplomatic draw!!

I have some excellent news for our young people at Horizons…..we finally have a lease for Medtia Square and it is ready to be signed by our trustees. This new base is going to be a fantastic resource for our young people and we are very excited about the opportunities it will open up for them. Our premises team will get in next week and start to make the necessary adaptations to the building. I am really looking forward to sharing news of their progress with you.

This week student council meetings were held on our sites – I can definitely confirm that the young people had plenty to say, as I am still ploughing through the minutes! We currently have a student council on each site and we are now exploring how we can develop a representative group to meet with the trustees and directors to help shape our strategic developments. It was great to meet with Leah, from our Learning Centre, who acts as a link between our student councils and the Oldham Youth Council.

Next week I am working in London and the South West but I will do my best to complete my blog.

Have a great weekend – come on you Shakers!!

Graham