CEO’s Blog – 10th February 2023

“I’m ready for my close up!”

This week has been a very busy week for our schools and sites, but when is it not a busy week?

I’ve been very busy myself, but this week I was involved in something a little different.

As our Trust and organisation grows, we are always in need of more people to join our teams, and we have gone back to the drawing board, as it were, in terms of recruitment.

Hollinwood Academy are trialing a ‘Recruitment Video’, supported by Jack Carter from Set the Scene Media.

I was pleased to be involved with the filming and although I took my role very seriously, I’m sure that the children and staff at Hollinwood will take centre stage. Quite right too, as they are who any new starters would be working with on a daily basis.

There was definitely a sense of excitment throughout the school on the day, as there always is when the cameras arrive, and I look forward to sharing the video as and when it is ready to be sent out.

I hope we get to see the bloopers!

Last week, I said that I would focus a little on ‘pupil/ student voice’ and I think the filming this week gives me the perfect oportunity to do just that.

The children at Hollinwood who were interviewed for the video were asked a series of conversational questions about their lives at school. Some of their answers were really insightful and helpful to providing a positive and realistic account of what working in one of our schools is like…

“It can be difficult if someone is upset, but we are all here to help.”

“My teachers have helped with my mental health.”

“They ‘get me’ here.”

“If you come here you will get a warm welcome.”

Those are some actual responses from children from a range of different year groups.

I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s honest feedback to be proud of.

Have a great weekend.

Graham