Hello-ho-ho everybody.

Two things that people say are signs that you are getting older are that a) policemen and teachers look younger and b) Christmas comes around more quickly.

I’m sure we’ll all wholeheartedly agree with the first point – or at least, the teacher half of it – but as for Christmas, what can I say? In a lengthy Autumn term it has absolutely shot up on us.

Perhaps the reason that it seems to have come so quickly is that it has been such a busy year. For me, personally, I have changed my job and joined you the wonderfully supportive education and public service community in Warwickshire. As you know, shortly after my arrival I had a stroke. Once I had returned to work, we were rapidly into our co-produced ambitious transformation programme.

Personally and collectively there has been so much learning along the way. We could not have made the progress that we have or addressed the challenges we have faced without the backing of colleagues. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate what I said earlier in the year that the support of colleagues has been overwhelming and I am extremely grateful for all the kindness and help I received. And I was delighted when, in the face of all the criticism we received around All About Me that we, the Warwickshire Education family, stuck together.  Similarly, when individual schools have gone through challenging times we have been able to work together as a family of schools to collaboratively make a difference.

Perhaps as the term draws to a close, it is time to briefly pause, think back over the year and reflect on what we have done and achieved. I won’t isolate individual pieces of work- there have been so many developments that will make a positive difference. Suffice it to say that I have been impressed regularly with what has come to my attention.  It’s all reassured me that we’re on the right track with much to be proud of.

We have continued to embed the Education Strategy, working to ensure that all four points shape the work we do so there is a joined up and strategic approach to improving outcomes for our children and young people from early years through to the workplace. 

As the Christmas break approaches there will be excitement for many children and staff. There will be loneliness and anxiety for others. Can I ask you to ask staff to look out for children who may be starting to feel very anxious about a two week break during which we know domestic abuse calls to the police double and poverty seems more pronounced when families know how much indulgence is going on in their neighbouring homes.

Can I ask you to be very vigilant on return in January and to avoid the 'What did Father Christmas bring you?' discussions and writing exercises based on the 'most exciting thing that happened over the holidays' (or similar). I know many teachers (often new to the profession who haven't experienced the horror of some responses) have been very distressed by what they have unearthed inadvertently yet publicly.

Everything we do to support and encourage the safety and wellbeing of our children, young people and colleagues is at the heart of our mission and purpose. Thank you for everything that you contribute to fulfilling this mission.

So now I hope that we all take the holiday as an opportunity to spend some time relaxing away from the pressure.  It’s really important that everyone recharges their batteries.  There is a lot to do next year but, as we know, the challenges are best addressed with health and wellbeing of colleagues at the heart of our practice.

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone.  I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.