This week has been overshadowed by the EU referendum. It was interesting walking around the different parts of our organisation and talking to the staff and young people about the debate. Our young people had really clear views about the reasons we should either stay within or step out of the EU. My favourite quote of the week was from one young man who was absolutely in favour of staying in Europe so that the UK could continue to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest!! (Sadly he needn’t have worried though, as we will still be a member of the European Broadcasting Union and eligible to enter).

On a practical level, we have held a number of transition events this week and it was good to meet many of you at Hollinwood Academy and New Bridge. If anyone has any concerns or issues about anything relating to your child next term, please do not hesitate to contact your head of site.

We know that this time of year can often be challenging for some of our young people due to the disruption caused by special events. We have a number of these taking place over the next few weeks including perfomances of the New Bridge summer production, ‘Shrek’, our annual Sports Awards, ‘Record of Achievement’ celebration mornings and, of course, the Prom to name just a few! We will ensure that the children and young people are well prepared, in plenty of time, for any changes to their timetables and routines.

This week I have been working on some evaluation documents. We have been collating this term’s governing body reports and we are also putting together the evidence for ‘Knowing Our School’, a detailed evaluation of our school development planning. I will ensure that these reports are placed on our website for you to view in due course.

Earlier in the week I found out that the Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) has agreed that Spring Brook School is able to join our Multi Academy Trust. There are many advantages to another school joining our Group that include:

• an enhanced leadership team
• additional skill sets brought into the MAT
• further rationalisation of budgets re staffing/resources
• advanced Team Teach techniques
• secondary deliverers for GCSEs

We are hopeful that Spring Brook will become part of our MAT on August 1st. All the children and young people will continue to receive their curriculum in the present Spring Brook buildings at Heron Street, Hollinwood and Dean Street, Failsworth.

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you next week at one of our exciting events – are we there yet??

Have a great weekend,

Graham