I hope the term has started well for you and your loved ones.

I’m sure there have been plenty of nerves this week, but lots of excitment too, I hope.

If you haven’t met me yet, or seen any of my messages, my name is Clare John, and I am the new CEO of New Bridge Multi Academy Trust.

Today marks the end of my first full week in the role, but I’ve been working hard behind the scenes for a few months now, getting to know some of the people and places I’ll be working with.

The welcome I’ve received from our teams has been fantastic, and it has been a pleasure to see how dedicated and committed they all are, in their efforts to teach and nurture our children and young people.

The support and advice I have been given has been invaluable, and I’m feeling more enthusiastic than ever to continue the outstanding work of the MAT.

I have had a few experiences this week that I’d like to share with you.

I was able to visit New Bridge College, to see the developments taking place there. I also found out a little bit more about Future Finders. thank you to Scott and the teams there for the introduction.

I nipped across the road to the newly developed Pathways building, where I saw students and staff on their first day. The building is looking great and everyone is excited about the year ahead.

I visited the little ones at Hawthorns, who are settling in well despite the heat of this past week!

It was exciting to speak to the team at Samuel Laycock, and to hear about the upcoming developments there.

There has also been a Virtual Induction this week, which was informative and welcoming, but I much prefer meeting people face to face.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be getting out and about across the MAT, coming to schools and settings to meet more of you, and to see for myself, all of the brilliant things I’ve been hearing about.

I want to absorb as much as I can from the MAT, and to see what my own experience can offer to help us continue to provide the very best education and care for the children and young people we support.

For now, have a great weekend and let’s get ready to go again on Monday.

 

Clare