On Wednesday we welcomed over 130 headteachers to our first face to face conference in over two years. It was great to see so many school leaders in attendance and there was a wonderful buzz and atmosphere in the room all day.  We were delighted with such positive feedback:   'great day, lovely to be back', 'thank you for the opportunity to be face to face for the first time in a very long time', 'excellent speakers, very inspirational', 'really positive experience and atmosphere, good to see secondary heads, too'.  

The keynote speakers included: Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Sir Tim Brighouse, Warwickshire's own headteachers (Sukie Owers, Juliet Jones, Ranjit Samra and his deputy Sarah Kaye), Warwickshire's High Sheriff, David Kelham and 'that Wellbeing Guy', Simon Bolger. All provided thought-provoking, honest, motivating sessions which we hope will stimulate further discussion and reflection back in your settings (those who were there will now understand that we need more flamingos and less pigeons!)

There were table-top discussions on the academisation strand of the government's White Paper, 'Opportunity for all: strong schools with great teachers for your child'.  Leaders were asked to share their thoughts around five key questions as we begin the discussion about what a LA Trust may look like.  We have some useful thoughts to share with Elected Members as they begin their discussions around this potential development for the future.  We will be continuing the dialogue with the Warwickshire family of schools for some time to come.

Delegates were also treated to a free copy of Sir Tim Brighouse and Mick Waters' latest book, 'About our Schools'.  We do have some copies left - contact schoolimprovement@warwickshire.gov.uk if you would like one.

Slides from the day will be shared this week, as will the link to the evaluation form for those who haven't yet completed it - we would welcome more feedback with regard to themes you would like to be covered in our conference themes for 2022/23.

We hope you have a nice week off and get to enjoy the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.