Simply a creative, talented and effective team!

Why is it that the negatives roll in constantly and we are challenged all the time to do better, faster and more effectively in our schools, our classrooms and our communities... and challenged by people whose track records are not of outstanding success and brilliant leadership. I want to put it on record that I currently work with the most creative, talented and effective team I have ever worked with and if anyone thinks that they can do better simply roll up your sleeves and step up to the plate.

Interestingly, I constantly visit schools here in Leeds. I don't dip in and clear off leaving a trail of negativity, disillusion and unhappiness for my colleagues to pick up. I am in here for the long haul and I know that we are making a real difference to young peoples lives and achieving better outcomes year on year. I know that we have the processes, we have the materials, we have the passion, we have the discipline, we have the intellectual rigour and more importantly we have the people to deliver real magic and achieve brilliant outcomes.

Like you, I am not in any way complacent about the challenges we face here in this wonderfully rich, diverse and incredibly challenging city. Like you, I am constantly looking for the answers and asking myself how much more we can do. I passionately believe that the real key lies with our leaders and our learning teams and how we convince them that the journey we are on is the right journey and that they are in control and trusted as the talented leaders, coaches, guides, mentors and teachers on the pathways to excellence for each and every one of our young people.

It is unfortunate that OFSTED, the National Strategies, the National College for School Leadership, the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and the plethora of consultants and experts that appear to know it all and fill meetings and consume so much of our time are not yet part of the solution. We are constantly asking ourselves about our effectiveness and how we can refine, develop and do better for our schools. I think that the time has come for us all to stand up and to ask the same questions of these organisations. We need to ask what real value they add to the mix and suggest how we could use the huge resources they consume more powerfully and more effectively!
Chris