I want to start this newsletter by giving a huge thank you to everyone working in and across all of our schools. The Autumn term is always full of challenges, and I am incredibly proud of how you have all approached this term.
In particular, I want to thank all of the pupils and members of staff that have welcomed me into the schools during my culture visits. I have been impressed with the way our young people have spoken about their experience of being a pupil in our schools, echoing the ambitions that you have for them. I am looking forward to visiting the rest of the schools next year.
I hope you enjoy reading about the developments in TLP in this newsletter and you are all able to have some time to rest, recharge and spend time with your loved ones over the festive break.
DIRECTOR OF PRIMARY EDUCATION
Welcome to Lise Houldsworth.
I am delighted to have joined The Learning Partnership this term as Director of Primary Education.
Since September, I have been working closely with our primary schools and their leaders to implement our school improvement framework. It has been great to see first hand the effective work being done, day in day out, in our schools. During my first term, the passion and dedication of our staff has been clear to see. It is evident that in TLP schools, all decisions are made in the best interests of our pupils.
Prior to joining TLP, I have been a primary headteacher, Local Leader of Education, School Improvement Partner, Deputy CEO and CEO, and have worked in various localities. I am also a serving Ofsted inspector. I endeavour to use this experience to support and challenge our schools, so they excel.
Next term, I look forward to getting to know more pupils and staff, and to continuing to work with leaders and the central team to develop schools, as we all strive to deliver the best education we can for the communities we serve.
People.
The Learning Institute
It’s been a busy and productive first term in The Learning Institute, having been involved in a range of professional development opportunities with TLP educators and leaders at every phase of their professional journey. Here are some highlights from our CPD and training events this term:
Our Early Career Teachers. Teacher Training at TLP.
This year, we welcomed 26 new ECTs to the Trust and they have made an excellent start to their teaching journeys. Through the combined support of our mentors, the online learning platform and our face-to-face events, the ECTs have been engaging with core themes such as classroom management, effective pedagogy, and supporting all learners. Feedback from sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s fantastic to see their enthusiasm for developing their practice and making an impact in their classrooms.
Our School-Led ITT students, on our programme in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, hit the ground running in September. They have all completed the first two phases of their training; impressing both their mentors and school colleagues with their energy and commitment; building up their delivery of high-quality, adaptive lessons. It’s been rewarding to see the students embracing feedback and thriving and we wish them luck as they move to their second placement school in the Spring term.
NPQ Success Across the Trust.
This term, we celebrated the completion of several NPQ cohorts across the Trust. From NPQSL to NPQLT, participants have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to completing each course element and finishing their final assessments. Congratulations to all those who completed their qualifications and it’ll be exciting to see how each specialist focus will feed back into our schools.
PERKS
Visit: https://tlptrust.com/
Perks > ‘Join’.
TLP Perks is designed to enhance your experience as an employee with TLP. By taking advantage of our offer, you can enjoy perks like discounted gym memberships, wellness programs, ways to spread the cost of household items and more. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our HR department hr@tlptrust.com.
TLP Staff Wellbeing.
As the holiday season approaches, we understand that Christmas can be a challenging time for many, bringing a mix of emotions. Whether you find joy in the festivities or face difficulties during this period, please know that you are not alone. We are committed to your wellbeing, and we encourage you to reach out if you need any support or simply someone to talk to; TLP offer a range of support. Some you can access confidentially such as the Employee Assistance Programme (see below); others can be discussed with your line manager in school. Whichever way you feel most comfortable, we want you to feel supported and we’re keen to ensure staff are aware of what is available to them.
WHAT IS OUR EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME?
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is counselling, information and advice services offering support for issues arising at home or work. A free of charge, confidential, independent, and impartial source of support. To access the EAP, use the link to TLP Perks above to log in, and click the Employee Assistance Programme option on the drop down menu titled ‘Benefits’. This will take you the CareFirst website, you do not need to log in again. Alternatively, freephone CareFirst on 0808 168 2143. Speak to a counsellor 24/7, 365 days. Online counselling, help and advice is available in multiple languages.
Passion.
Kate Baddeley DEPUTY CEO (EDUCATION)
We are really proud of how far we have come this term in implementing our school improvement framework. A framework which outlines the support and challenge we offer our schools to transform our communities through education. We endeavour to operate an efficient and effective trust school improvement model, one which provides clarity through the framework but is underpinned by contextual understanding of our schools, high expectations and the principles of improvement.
Our Educational Priorities.
Attendance
Adaptive planning/teaching
Disciplinary literacy
Subject co-ordination, leadership and succession planning
Writing in primary and English and Maths in secondary
Our Aligned Priorities.
Safeguarding
SEND
EYFS
Literacy
Attendance
Data and Assessment
English
Maths
As an educational team we are privileged to work with such amazing schools, staff and children and are very much looking forward to continuing all our schools’ improvement journeys together.
We thank you for all your hard work, collaboration and commitment and hope you all have a fabulous festive break with your families and friends.
Black Firs, Wistaston Church Lane and Egerton Primary Schools are participating in a national professional development project about adaptive teaching. Julia Gawn (our SEND Lead for Primary) has been working with NASEN / Whole school SEND to develop a case study related to a new role that the schools have created called a ‘Lead Practitioner for Adaptive Teaching’. The project is related to establishing this position and developing training for staff who lead adaptive teaching within their schools. This aligns with TLP’s Early Identification of SEND pathway and will help ensure that schools develop their ordinarily available inclusive provision.
Literacy.
This term has seen the launch of Disciplinary Literacy in our Crewe secondary schools. Disciplinary Literacy is an approach to improving literacy skills across the curriculum and makes clear that every teacher communicates their subject through its own unique language, and that reading, writing, speaking and listening are at the heart of knowing, doing, and communicating. Our Crewe schools will be working this academic year on implementing and embedding this approach across their schools, with the aim that this will become a fundamental part of their curriculum approach.
Performance.
Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship.
Local MP visits
Jess Rawlinson, a Year 13 student at Crewe UTC, has secured a prestigious Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty, one of the UK’s leading infrastructure organisations. Jess' T-Level industry placements with Network Rail and BetterSafe International played a crucial role in helping her secure her place on their programme. Jess’ accomplishment is an inspiring example of how technical qualifications and industry experience can open doors to prestigious career opportunities.
We were delighted to host recently-elected MPs at Crewe UTC and Dove Bank Primary School and have the opportunity to showcase the work at both schools and talk in detail about the trust. Connor Naismith, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, was hosted by Dan Thomas and UTC Principal Will Chitty. He toured the engineering workshop and had a demonstration of the racetrack used for the F1 in Schools programme.
At Dove Bank, David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, met with Headteacher Sally Dakin and Dan Thomas. Sally commented "David was keen to listen to the challenges we are currently facing in our school, and we look forward to an ongoing relationship that will benefit our whole school community. "
Separately, Anna Jones from Black Firs Primary School, has taken part in a focus group of Headteachers with Congleton MP Sarah Russell to discuss issues affecting schools in her area.
CREWE UTC
DOVE BANK & CREWE UTC
Foundation Food Award Achievement.
SIR WILLIAM STANIER SCHOOL
SWS has achieved the prestigious Foundation Food Award from the Food for Life initiative! This nationally recognised framework celebrates their commitment to providing high-quality food education and promoting sustainable practices within the school community. With a focus on integrating food education into lessons and whole-school events, students have enriched their understanding of nutrition and healthy eating.
Sara Randle, Curriculum Leader for Food at SWS said “This award is a significant milestone, especially considering it is typically achieved by only a select few secondary schools. We encourage other schools within our trust to consider applying for this award as well.”
Welcome to Egerton Nursery.
In September, Egerton Nursery (previously Egerton Pre-School) merged with Egerton Primary. The Nursery team has been welcomed into the school and this term has been a busy one for all concerned. The Nursery has had new branding and is currently undergoing a mini make over to ensure it attracts more 2-year-olds. The curriculum is also being modified so that it connects with Early Years in the main school. And since October, our Breakfast and After School Club has been open to Nursery pupils which has been a huge success.
EGERTON NURSERY
Students Inspire Local MP.
WISTASTON CHURCH
LANE ACADEMY
Three Year 6 students at Wistaston Church Lane Academy recently wrote to local MP Connor Naismith, sharing thoughtful ideas to make the national curriculum more diverse and inclusive. Inspired by their learning about the Windrush generation, the students proposed incorporating such topics to ensure all students feel seen and valued. Mr Naismith was so impressed by their insights on education fostering understanding and responsibility that he wrote to the Secretary of State for Education on their behalf. The MP’s response, including replies to each student, highlights the power of WCLA's values in action. Well done to our inspiring young changemakers!
White Ribbon UK Partnership.
Congleton High School has partnered with White Ribbon UK - a leading charity dedicated to engaging men and boys to end violence against women, and Congleton Town Council to create a powerful video highlighting this critical issue. The project is the result of a meaningful collaboration between Sixth Form College students and staff, who first engaged with White Ribbon through the school’s personal development curriculum, and the charity itself.
CONGLETON HIGH SCHOOL
Click here to view the video: https://shorturl.at/oX3mn
Heidi Thurland, CHS Headteacher said: “We believe in making a meaningful, positive impact on our community. By working closely with White Ribbon and the council, we can increase awareness about violence against women and girls and contribute to the creation of a safer, more respectful society.”
The Oaks - 24 hours in France!
THE OAKS ACADEMY
A group of students and staff from The Oaks Academy enjoyed an epic day trip to France. They boarded an early morning ferry to Calais to visit Lille Christmas Markets, followed by bowling and waffles before boarding the ferry back to Dover and a late-night coach journey to school!
