We are pleased to bring you this final EVENTS issue of school year 2025 - 2026.
Enjoy the featured article, highlighted programmes, courses and events from our delivery partners to support your professional development and enhance the work of your school. 

SWIFT CPD and Membership 2026 – 2027
Registration is open for Schools, Federations, Trusts and other organisations to join SWIFT Membership for 2026 - 2027 (click here to register and find out more here).
 
Highlighted Courses/Support:

• Space4Thinking: Child-Led Coaching to Boost Pupil Wellbeing and Resilience
• KS1 Securing Foundational Skills for Writing (Torbay)
• Inclusion By Design
• Professional Communities
• Primary and Secondary Subject Briefing
• EYFS & Primary Courses
• Secondary & Sixth Form Courses
• Other events for your diary

With the end of term in sight, we thought we would squeeze in a final July UPDATE for you - and it is a newsy one to end this school year. 

Musing on our recent Summer Conference (and you can read the A Master Class in being a Good Egg! write-up), Executive Director Martin Smith reflects on the overarching themes of inclusion and belonging: "at the heart of what we are as schools and at the heart of how we train and develop ourselves through professional development."  

Martin ends by encouraging all teachers, leaders and colleagues to take a moment to reflect on the huge contribution everyone makes to the lives of children and young people. "We know our profession has challenges ahead of us and some will move on and some will persist. But what is an ever constant is the commitment of everyone in education to do the very best job."
 
Looking to the Autumn Term and being super organised, the Whole School SEND (WSS) Conference is on Thursday 19 November 2026 at Sandy Park in Exeter on the theme of “A Sense of Belonging still Matters.” 
You can help now as the WSS Team are inviting schools across the South West region to share what “Belonging and Mattering” looks and feels like. 

With the appropriate consent, send the Team examples of pupil voice on how they feel valued and included in your School / Trust community. For example, photos, artwork, displays, projects, short video clips, participation in clubs, enrichment activities, pupil testimonials. Keeping you informed, there are SEND updates and guidance later in the newsletter. 

A week and a day before the early bird offer closes on Friday 17 July 2026, remember to register your School / Trust / Federation for SWIFT CPD and Membership for 2026 - 2027. If you do the sums, it makes sense. Find out more and register here 

This month we take a nostalgic view of ALL the UPDATE interviews - starting in April 2022 with Martin Lewis, our launch interviewee and still a SWIFT stalwart. It is worth a look back!

Devon Research School (DRS) shares a post by Hannah Claydon, Deputy Director of Devon Research School, Raising Standards Lead for Year 7 and Teacher of Science at Kingsbridge Community College on embedding Maths skills in the Science classroom.

HOT OFF THE PRESS - you can read the South-West Social Mobility Commission Annual Report on Place Matters . Published yesterday, rather than the North - South divide, the startling headline shows London outperforming every other region on many key measures for pupils eligible for free school meals, whilst the South West remains one of England's weakest-performing regions.

Thinking hot, with soaring temperatures now a constant our sponsor, SchoolPro Safety provides some excellent cooling practical guidance on managing overheating classrooms. Contact the Team here

We join our sponsor Exeter Supply Partnership in celebrating their 10th birthday of providing nursery and primary supply needs and wish them another successful decade! Contact the ESP Team here

Ending the school year with a celebratory look back in pictures, our school catering sponsor Educatering shares some pictures from Christmas to Easter, Chinese New Year and Eid. You can contact the Team to discuss catering for your School and Trust here 
 
That's all folks! When you have a moment to stop, we hope that you will find something of interest in this issue that will add value to your day.

A week tomorrow I will be signing-off from my role as Editor of UPDATE and I would like to extend my very best thoughts to you all for the end of term (and the onwards). I know from my own experience of working in a school for many years the meaning of “being busy” in ending one year and preparing for the next. Such is the cycle of education.

By Jude Baylis, SWIFT Executive Assistant 

Like all things SWIFT the UPDATE interview has evolved into what it is today.

A simple formula. Five questions that reap rich reflections to showcase our work as Teaching School Hubs, and that of our ​Partners and Associates. 

​Looking back, the first iteration of the UPDATE interview appeared in Issue 4 in April 2022 with Martin Lewis - who was then the Appropriate Body Induction Tutor at Kingsbridge Community College (and Martin continues to be a SWIFT stalwart).  After a few evolutions, by Issue 7 the interview had become the defined interview we know today with Esther Best, NPQs Facilitator (the then Headteacher of Oreston Community Academy in Plymstock).
 
With our rooted in partnership mantra, the UPDATE interview has been a way to showcase the dedicated delivery support of valued colleagues across our Golden Thread work – of which there are many to choose from!

Aimee Mills, the then Acting Deputy Headteacher (for Quality of Education) at The Park Community School in Issue 10 (December 2022), Andy Ogden, then Director for CPD and Devon Training School Partnership at Tarka Learning Partnership in Issue 19 (November 2023), Jayne Miners, Primary ECTP Mentor at Halwill Primary School (The Carey Federation) in Issue 38 (October 2025) and Lindsay Cooper Smith, Director of Inclusion for St Christopher’s Academy Trust in Issue 44 (April 2026):
 
“I would wish all children to be educated locally with their peers and to get the support they need at the earliest possible opportunity to make sure there is a genuine holistic approach to inclusion with the family, school and professionals involved.”
 
Still going strong with us harking back to Issue 28 (November 2024) was Tania Cox, Director of Blackdown Education Partnership Training School – one of our valued Partners: “Personally, the thing I enjoy the most of working for a Teaching School Hub is the diverse range of schools and colleagues I get the opportunity to work with and their absolute wealth of expertise and experience shared with me.”  

Already a few worthy examples of note here, finding a fitting quotation has been a definite delight for me to set the tone for the whole interview. More to follow as we press on now. 
​
Always curious, I like learning more about colleagues, as in Issue 32 (March 2025) with Robin Scott, CPD & Marketing Coordinator with Exeter Consortium Schools’ Alliance: “Overall, I think it is most rewarding being part of the Teaching School Hubs network that is aiming for big improvements in education. I always feel the South West collaborates well and we want to work with and make our schools even better." Also, Faye Steele, SWIFT Senior Administrator for the Appropriate Body Service in Issue 40 (December 2025) clearly enjoys her work with her memorable words: “With this essential relationship with our schools in place I believe in a relentless unwavering determination to procure the information we need on time and to meet our deadlines and tracking.” How brightly their commitment shone.
 
We always strive to stand tall with our Partners and I have been grateful to interview CEOs, Headteachers, Senior Leadership Team and Teacher colleagues. Starting with Stewart Biddles, CEO of Riviera Education Trust in Issue 15 (June 2023): “There is always more to be gained by working in partnership than by forging ahead alone.” Tom Parkin, Headteacher of South Molton Community Primary School in Issue 17 (September 2023): “Our hope for our children this year is to get back into school and in a positive way.” Fiona Harvey, Deputy Head (Scholarship) at Colyton Grammar School (one half of SWIFT’s Colyton Teaching School Hub) in Issue 22 (February 2024) provided another standout quotation: “I believe as school leaders, we must challenge and be positive in promoting teaching as a career that is brilliant, rewarding and a worthwhile choice.”​

It has been a privilege to hear original insights from respected leaders. The Issue 33 (April 2025) interview with Gary Chown was on the eve of officially becoming CEO of The Harbour Schools Partnership Multi Academy Trust (merging Ventrus and Tarka Trusts): “I would like to see improvements in how the system connects. I think some MATs are doing well and working in effective partnerships and I am hopeful that we could deepen this partnership and build a more architecturally responsible legacy.” And the interview with Mr T – A.K.A. Christopher Tribble, Headteacher at Honiton Primary School and Author in Issue 36 this time last year demonstrated the noblest intentions for his pupils.
 
I have relished learning more about colleagues, as in Issue 32 (March 2025) with Robin Scott, CPD & Marketing Coordinator with Exeter Consortium Schools’ Alliance: “Overall, I think it is most rewarding being part of the Teaching School Hubs network that is aiming for big improvements in education. I always feel the South West collaborates well and we want to work with and make our schools even better." Also, Faye Steele, SWIFT Senior Administrator for the Appropriate Body Service in Issue 40 (December 2025) clearly enjoys her work with her memorable words: “With this essential relationship with our schools in place I believe in a relentless unwavering determination to procure the information we need on time and to meet our deadlines and tracking.” How brightly their commitment shone.

​We take pride in our responsibilities to champion the work of our many Associates – all of whom boost our offer to Schools and Trusts. Issue 12 (February 2023) interview with Emma Sheppard, The MaternityTeacher PaternityTeacher Project (MTPT) Founder and Lead, testified to her passionate staunchness in this important area of the workforce. Supporting the local Department of Education Subject Hubs is integral to our work and Joint CODE Maths Hub Leads, Laura Clitheroe and David Hick were the double act for Issue 23 (March 2024) and it was the turn for lsham English Hub with Hub Lead, Danni Cooke in Issue 29 (December 2024) sharing her infectious love of reading and all things booky.

​Many (most!) of the interviews have spoken to the longevity of our partnerships. Issue 27 (October 2024) with Jon Eaton, Director of Kingsbridge Research School highlighted our ongoing valued partnership, as did Issue 18 (October 2023) with Jenny Sutton, Regional Principal, South and West – National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) speaking volumes then and now of our close working together as NIoT Associates Colleges: “I genuinely love working with our Associate Colleges because [THEY] all want to build a really strong partnership with us, that genuinely ensures the programmes we develop and deliver together are of maximum benefit for teachers and leaders.” Followed by fellow NIoT colleague Katy Micklewright, Head of the Early Careers Programme Faculty in Issue 37 two years later.
 
Many of interviews provide professional insights into the cogs central to our educational landscape. In May 2024 issue 24 we met Emma Vyvyan, Regional Lead for the South West for Whole School SEND: “Children teach us new things every day and walking in their shoes ensures that we get to know them as individuals, which requires our fresh and creative thinking in order to ensure that we have the best inclusive approach possible.” January 2025 Issue 30 with Justin Coombs, Executive Director of Assessment Technology at Exam Board, AQA and Amy Lingfield, the then Director of Partnerships at Teach First in Issue 31 February 2025.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is at the heart of our work in safeguarding members of our community to feel psychologically safe and their authentic selves so that children in schools are led, taught, supported and governed by people who embody the values and model the behaviours of a modern inclusive society. I was pleased therefore to interview for Issue 25 (June 2024) the then Co-Chairs of our SWIFT DEIB Partnership Group, the then Krisha Gandhi of Cranbrook Education Campus and Tom Pether of East Allington Primary School and earlier for Issue 14 (May 2023) Louise Jaunbocus-Cooper, Co-Founder of MixEd.

The interview can be an opportunity to celebrate new ventures as in Issue 41 (January 2026) with Nick Wakeling, Director of the Colyton Foundation: “I hope the sense of a regional movement to support under-resourced pupils will have gathered further momentum, and that the Colyton Foundation will have become a ‘go-to’ hub for all schools and other organisations looking to support higher attainers & HE progression within the region.” Along with Jess Easton, Director of The Engagement Platform (TEP) in Issue 42 the following month: “If people could really understand engagement, where it comes from and what drives it, I think we would see significant improvements in areas we traditionally measure, such as attendance, persistent absence and outcomes.”
 
CPD is integral to our SWIFT work. With an eye on the relevant and interesting, Caroline Sherwood, Deputy Headteacher at Pilton Community College was the interviewee for issue 11 (January 2023) as Programme Lead for the How to Teach Boys to Succeed in School session. Ed Pawson, our SWIFT Religious Education Professional Community Lead and RE Consultant opened my eyes with humble thinking about this core subject in Issue 43 (March 2026): “When I look at my primary colleagues, my fundamental purpose in being an advisor is to help those who do not have RE as their number one subject and have never really studied it and do not feel confident. I would love to be able to feel that I have supported people to enjoy teaching RE and to gain satisfaction.”

​Enthusiasm is part of my DNA, and I respond to enthusiastic interviewees, which especially oozed in the interview with Sam Eyre, Head of CREATE Creative Arts Academy at Coombeshead Academy in Issue 34 (May 2025): “I credit teaching with making me a more creative person because I work in a creative environment every single day with young people that I think makes me a better artist."

​Thinking arty, a particularly fond interview was with Olivia, the artist behind our unique quirky SWIFT artwork in Issue 13 (March 2023). At the time Olivia was a student at Colyton Grammar School and if you are still curious about the history of the artwork you might like to read more here
 
I always like to learn and the Issue 45 (May 2026) interview with Anthony Lees, Deputy Head of School for Marpool Primary School & EdTech Lead for the Cornerstone Academy Trust was mind-bending on the thorny topic of AI: “I believe the power of technology is about bringing equity of opportunity to learners - to all pupils and students - by raising universal provision, and not simply through the accessibility tools, which are the obvious quick wins, (i.e. text to speech, speech to text etc), all of which is hugely important and makes a big difference to teaching and learning.”
 
Sometimes I like to think of the interview as a good omen.  As a lovely precursor to her joining the SWIFT Team a year later as Director of Teaching School Hubs, Jen Knowles, the then Director of West Country Training School Alliance (WCTSA) was in the spotlight for Issue 8 in October 2022 (and we have never looked back). With unforeseen symmetry Jen’s predecessor Chris Harris, SWIFT Deputy Director (Colyton Teaching School Hub) was the following interviewee in Issue 9 (November 2022).
 
With more serendipitous timing, for Issue 20 (December 2023) Tina Graham, Principal of Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) did not know that KCC was set to be awarded the South West Secondary School of the Year 2024 Award for The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide - for academic outcomes and character education, extra-curricular opportunities and student experience, as well as year-on-year improvements. It made the interview all the more glorious.  

The interview can be a way to say thank you and to enhance the sense of occasion.
Issue 26 two years ago at this time of year was with Paul Brooks, retiring Chair of Kingsbridge Community College Governing Body and the SWIFT Trust Board who shared his experienced words of wisdom: “When I was Deputy Principal, I used to say that every child in our school needs to enjoy our school and to come out at the end of each day and know that they have enjoyed something in their lessons. I believe now, as I believed then, that it is possible.”
 
Everyone counts for me in a school. Prior to SWIFT, I worked as PA to a Headteacher in Somerset (plus I’m a foodie); so I particularly enjoyed the interview in Issue 35 (June 2025) with Sarah Plowman, School Catering Manager, and Helen Vincent, School Business Manager at Whipton Barton Infant and Nursery School: “What blew me away … was that it is all about the children and ensuring they have a good, nutritious meal, because they know how that helps with learning, and this absolutely shines through.”
 
Demonstrating the positivity within our educational partnership, for Issue 39 (November 2025), I enjoyed interviewing SWIFT Teacher Training graduate, Harriet Sleath, in her first term as Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages at Teign School, part of Education South West (the other half of SWIFT).
 
From time to time I like to open a window into our Central Team and Fiona McNeile, our SWIFT Programme Manager (and now Director of Business Development) was a lovely interviewee in Issue 16 (July 2023): “I am very fortunate to have a role that is fulfilling in many ways.” As was Martin Smith, Executive Director of SWIFT in Issue 21 (January 2024): “I enjoy nurturing partnerships and I am continuously reminded of their importance in every we do.”
 
Bringing us up to date, the most recent interview last month was with Steve Margetts, Principal of Torquay Academy and Author: “I would describe my leadership style as highly focused on clarity, culture, and people. I believe leaders have to create a clear sense of direction, whilst building an environment where staff and students can thrive.” If you heard Steve speak at the Summer Conference you will already have an insight into the impact of his leadership experience that you can benefit from in the “Everyone Succeeds: Practical leadership behaviours that improve schools” practical professional development sessions next year.

We are pleased to bring you the next EVENTS issue with a featured article, highlighted programmes, courses and events from our delivery partners to support your professional development and enhance the work of your school. 

SWIFT Summer Conference 2026
FINAL CALL for tickets for the SWIFT Summer Conference 2026 on Thursday 18 June 2026 at Exeter Racecourse. View the full line-up of speakers and book here.
 
Highlighted Courses/Support:

• Safeguarding Level 3 Refresher
• Understanding Sensory Processing Difficulties
• Embracing AI with Mr P ICT: Working Smarter Not Harder
• SWIFT NPQ Programme Update
• Early Career Teacher Programme | September 2026 Registration Update
• Personal Development CPD Morning
• Professional Communities
• Primary and Secondary Subject Briefing
• EYFS & Primary Courses
• Secondary & Sixth Form Courses
• Other events for your diary​​

The first week of June and the final half term of school year 2025 - 2026 and we hope this latest UPDATE newsletter will bring value to you.

Executive Director Martin Smith reports on a new chapter afoot for SWIFT with neighbouring Teaching School Hub partner, OneCornwall: 

"The proposal is straightforward. By aligning more closely, we can move beyond operating as parallel Hubs and instead create a single, coherent partnership that is better placed to deliver high-quality professional development at scale. This is about combining capacity, expertise and infrastructure to strengthen what is already working well." 

We want to hear your views. Find out more about the proposals here and you can watch a short animation here . Please feel able to complete the feedback form here by Wednesday 1 July 2026.

Sharing good practice comes naturally in education and we are pleased to showcase the outcomes of a recent peer review with fellow Teaching School Hubs’ of our Appropriate Body Services - one of our Golden Thread responsibilities. You can read how the team thrived in this collaborative and challenging exercise.  

Tes has recently published its Global Wellbeing Report (a topic close to all our hearts) - and we thought it was worth highlighting for you. Wellbeing will be a keynote at our forthcoming Summer Conference on Thursday 18 June 2026 at Exeter Racecourse led by Shaheen Myers, founder and CEO of Balance:ed. The final tickets are available here 

Hot off the press - Colyton Foundation has announced that applications are now open for the 2026 - 2027 cohort of Leading High Attainment. A year-long leadership development programme for secondary school leaders across the South West delivered by the Colyton Foundation in partnership with SWIFT and Devon Research School. You can apply here and register for the information webinar on Thursday 2 July 2026 here  

This month's interview is with Steve Margetts, Principal of Torquay Academy and recently published author of “Everyone Succeeds,” a leadership framework built around 54 codified leadership behaviours. Steve will be leading some professional development sessions for us next academic year. One to watch!

Devon Research School (DRS) shares a post by Adam Wray, Associate Leader at ACE Tiverton School on predictive processing. Living in a neurodiverse household, with family members who experience autism, ADHD and dyslexia, Adam became deeply curious about what happens beneath the surface of thought and perception. It is worth a read to consider your own processing and in the classroom. 

It is that time of year – poised between the end of one school year and starting to think about the next on the not-so-distant horizon and our sponsor, SchoolPro TLC considers the merits of one week or two week timetables in Secondary schools.  Contact the Team here

Educatering our school catering sponsor have been showcasing the importance of local sourcing. Parents have enjoyed a taste at recent parents' evenings and at Pupil Premium Night with more info about support for low-income families. The food pics say it all. If you want to find out how Educatering can support your School/Trust Catering Team contact the Team here 

You will know that Exeter Supply Partnership are committed to supporting you for your nursery and primary supply needs. But they go a step beyond. As well as a full-service approach supporting not only staffing and recruitment needs at no additional cost, they foster a highly skilled, confident and well-supported pool of educators through a dedication to ongoing professional development. Contact the ESP Team here

A few extras this issue.
If you are starting to plan your summer reading, you might like to add Mr T's life thinky collection of books to your list. A wide offering of thoughts, ideas and insights to help you, to help yourself! By Day, Mr T is Christopher Tribble, Headteacher of Honiton Primary School and you can find out more here

Introducing ERA, the Educational Recording Agency: a licensing organisation enabling schools, colleges and universities to access and use FREE high-quality broadcast video and audio for teaching and learning (from UK broadcasters like BBC, C4, C5, ITV etc), whilst also supporting the creators of the content. 
 
Finally - if you are interested in the pithy topic of climate change and find yourself in the Totnes area on Monday 15 June 2026 - you might like to attend a free film night of "Future Council" plus panel discussion with various experts, including George Monbiot. Doors open at KEIVCC (King Edward VI Community College, Ashburton Road, Totnes TQ9 5JX) from 1800 for a 1900 start. Book your place here

We hope you find something to interest you in this issue and we wish you a happy, fulfilling, productive and (sunny!) Summer Half Term. 

We are pleased to bring you the next EVENTS issue with a featured article, highlighted programmes, courses and events from our delivery partners to support your professional development and enhance the work of your school. 
 
SWIFT 2026 Summer Conference 
A reminder if you have yet to register your place at the ​SWIFT 2026 ​Summer Conference on Thursday 18 June 2026 at Exeter Racecourse. Find the full line-up of speakers and book here
 
Highlighted Courses/Support:

• Moderation Sessions
• Advanced Coaching Programme for School Leaders
• Safer Recruitment
• SWIFT NPQ Programme Update
• Early Career Teacher Programme | September 2026 Registration Update
• National Institute School-Level Professional Development Research Project
• Professional Communities 
• Primary and Secondary Subject Briefing
• EYFS & Primary Courses
• Secondary and Sixth Form Courses
• Other events for your diary

May Day has passed and we hope that you enjoyed the Bank Holiday, but today is UPDATE May Day and we are pleased to bring you the latest news.

As Executive Director Martin Smith reflects in his introduction: 
"This May issue brilliantly exemplifies what a mature school-led system looks like...The many high-quality articles bring together expertise from individual schools, Multi Academy Trusts, education partners and the National Institute of Teaching." 

With partnership at the heart of our SWIFT work, Martin will soon be engaging with stakeholders on the partnership with our Teaching School Hub colleagues, OneCornwall to develop and widen the scope across the region. 

Read up on the recent National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) Teacher Educator Development Day led by Kyle Bailey, NPQ Lead for the South and West at NIoT and Birmingham South Teaching School Hub. The aims of the day were to strengthen the professional skills and expertise of teacher educators, engage critically with research and apply it to inform and enhance practice and build, sustain and deepen relationships between local colleagues. 

You can also catch up on some important Golden Thread programme updates to keep you informed.

If you are contemplating a smartphone-free environment in your School or Trust, Kingsbridge Community College's Principal, Tina Graham shares their journey and tips that developed as part of their wider commitment to student wellbeing, focus, and positive development. 

This month's interview is with Anthony Lees, Deputy Head of School for Marpool Primary School & EdTech Lead for the Cornerstone Academy Trust. A self-confessed tech nerd, Ant is well-placed to provide an insight into this rapidly growing area within our professional and personal lives. You read it here in UPDATE!

Devon Research School (DRS) shares a post on being one step ahead when it comes to Adaptive Teaching from fellow Cornwall Research School. As you would expect this is insightful, intentional and evidence-based and will add meaning to your practice. 

On that note, the Region's RISE Team invites you to attend the Boolean and London South West Maths Hubs’ Mainstream Inclusion Conference on Primary Maths coming up on Thursday 4 June 2026. Book here

From September, schools across England will be expected to take a more structured approach to allergy management and our sponsor SchoolPro TLC provides guidance on how to prepare.  As former school leaders, teachers and incumbent Governors, they are caring and knowledgeable. Contact the Team here

Nursery and Primary school cover service Exeter Supply Partnership are celebrating their tenth anniversary - and we commend their first decade dedicated to providing "reliable, experienced supply staff, and above all, offering an ethical, not‑for‑profit alternative that puts schools, educators and pupils first."  Contact here
 
As we have come to expect , Educatering our school catering sponsor are showcasing yet more of their delicious and nutritious food. See more pictures to feast on! If you are not yet part of the Educatering Schools Revolution contact the Team here 

Remember to book your place at the 2026 Summer Conference on Thursday 18 June 2026 at Exeter Racecourse. Five school weeks today! Designed to be relevant and memorable with presentations on: AI and Assessment, Equity, Wellbeing and Leadership, Care and Culture, Disadvantaged High Attainers, Masculinities in Schools and more. Network with like-minded colleagues and enjoy some lovely food from Goosemoor Educatering.

In the spirit of true and lasting partnership, we hope you relish a dip in this issue.
With all best wishes from the SWIFT Central Team - and a happy and rewarding onwards. 

We are pleased to bring you the next EVENTS issue with a featured article, highlighted programmes, courses and events from our delivery partners to support your professional development and enhance the work of your school. 

SWIFT Summer Conference 2026
We are delighted to invite you to the SWIFT Summer Conference 2026, taking place on Thursday 18 June 2026 at Exeter Racecourse. View the full line-up of speakers and book here
 
Highlighted Courses/Support:

• Building an Oracy-Rich Classroom
• Primary Languages Professional Community
• Early Years Moderation
• SWIFT NPQ Update | Autumn 2026 Cohort
• Professional Communities

• Primary and Secondary Subject Briefing
• EYFS & Primary Courses
• Secondary & Sixth Form Courses
• Other events for your diary 

March marches on and we are pleased to bring you the latest UPDATE.

Following the publication of the White Paper last week Executive Director Martin Smith reflects on: "the renewed commitment to strengthening the education workforce, particularly the investment in recruiting 6,500 new teachers and the significant expansion of high‑quality professional development opportunities." 

We are here to play our part as Teaching School Hubs to support you in our delivery of the Early Career Framework, National Professional Qualifications, and evidence‑informed CPD across our region. 

Meanwhile, founder and Lead Coach of The Thinking Academy, Leonie Hurrell shares her thinking behind the "Leadership Skills" course designed to help leaders boost their self-awareness, build connections, and communicate clearly, including the importance of soft skills. Feedback from this week's course is heartening: 
"It was valuable to be reflective and a great opportunity to plan next steps for my leadership' (said one delegate).

With engagement referenced in the White Paper The Engagement Platform (TEP) engage us with their February 2026 findings, drawn from 165,000 pupils across 263 schools and articulate what engagement means. You can take advantage for your School/Trust with a special subsidy for Colyton Foundation partner schools, as well as all other schools.  

This month's interview is a thoughtful piece on Religious Education in schools with Ed Pawson, our SWIFT RE Professional Community Lead and Consultant. A natural enthusiast for the subject, Ed reminds us of the value in networking and building a community through the Professional Community. 

Always in tune with the latest teaching and learning research, Devon Research School (DRS) signposts us to some practical ways to help pupils build independence through explicit teaching and careful scaffolding in the recent Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) blog.

Our sponsor SchoolPro TLC continues the theme of wellbeing and supervision for school leaders and how stress is not just stress anymore - it is a safeguarding issue. The Safeguarding Team are there to provide support and you contact here

Educatering our school catering sponsor share some of their foodie in-school delights - including pizza and cookie making and an imaginative Taste, Touch, Smell – I am a Teacher, Get Me Out of Here session (the proof is in the pics). Contact the Team here to find out how they can support your Catering Teams.

If you have planned absence on the horizon, our sponsor Exeter Supply Partnership are ready to help you get organised and with their not-for-profit ethos you can feel doubly positive. Contact them here for support. 

This should keep us all focused and as spring edges ever nearer, we wish you a rewarding continuation of this Spring Term.

We are pleased to bring you the next EVENTS issue with a featured article, highlighted programmes, courses and events from our delivery partners to support your professional development and enhance the work of your school. 

SWIFT Summer Conference 2026
We are delighted to invite you to the SWIFT Summer Conference 2026, taking place on Thursday 18 June 2026 at Exeter Racecourse. You can view the full line-up of speakers and book here
​
Highlighted Courses/Support:

• Leadership Skills Training Day
• Working Smarter Not Harder: Embracing AI with Mr P ICT (three sessions)
• Supporting Females on the Autistic Spectrum
• SWIFT NPQ Update | Autumn 2026 Cohort
• Professional Communities

• Primary and Secondary Subject Briefing
• EYFS & Primary Courses
• Secondary & Sixth Form Courses
• Other events for your diary

Landed! February UPDATE and lots to engage you.

Executive Director Martin Smith announces the date and line-up of the Summer Conference 2026 on Thursday 18 June 2026 with relevant and purposeful topics – including, equity and inclusion, wellbeing and leadership, AI, oracy and disadvantaged high attainers. Book your place here

"SWIFT takes pride in our vision of professional development to create outstanding opportunities for leaders to learn, develop and connect and is passionate about enabling schools across the South West to access the best of regional and national, as well as the latest research." 

The Engagement Platform (TEP) engage us with their latest research on why pupils’ belief in their own agency for reading really matters and there are some thoughtful practicals for you to do in school.  Find out more about TEP in an engaging interview with Jess Easton, Director of The Engagement Platform (TEP). Plus there are more handy teaching and learning top tips from Harry Fletcher-Wood's presentation at the Spring Leadership Forum on improving teaching for which we thank Harry. We also thank Laura Clitheroe for showcasing all the opportunities of the CODE Maths Hub

Thinking about reading, Devon Research School (DRS) considers reading goals and how to develop a shared approach to purposeful reading: "The ability to read and understand complex text plays a critical role in our students’ success, not only in terms of their academic outcomes but also in relation to their wider life chances on leaving school."

The February feature from our sponsor SchoolPro TLC is on supervision for school leaders on a sensitive note of how school leadership can feel heavy: "Recent wellbeing surveys show that over three quarters of school staff feel stressed, with senior leaders reporting the highest levels of exhaustion and emotional overwhelm." The SchoolPro TLC Safeguarding Team are there to provide support and you can contact them here

In preparation for the forthcoming Year 6 SATs the RISE Team are hosting a Raising Attainment Conference on Thursday 5 March 2026. Book your place here and we hope it helps you prep your pupils.

Educatering our school catering sponsor are leading the way across our region with their complete service to provide nutritious and exciting lunches with local food sources, and bespoke support to your Catering Teams. Contact the Team here 

We are still in the winter months (despite our hopes for an early spring) and we understand that supply teaching is a sometimes necessity for schools. Our sponsor Exeter Supply Partnership values their teachers and provides professional development to ensure skills are refreshed to boost and provide the best service to your School and Trust.  If you need any support you can contact them here

AND we are here to support you, and we wish you a fulfilling and happy onwards with the term - and in a few weeks' time, a restful Spring Half Term Break!   

We are pleased to share with you the latest Laurel Trust newsletter.

The Laurel Trust's Winter Update is a truly informative read, with articles from two project leaders and the lasting impact that their collaboration has had in the community.

The article by Professor Jo Van Herwegan from the Institute of Education at University College London, tells of the meta-study she has undertaken into effective classroom practice and the MetaSENse database she and the team have developed. Information is shared about each intervention and goals, who it is designed to help, what the evidence says, how well it works and links to relevant resources.
 
Look out for the next round of Laurel Trust funding opportunities towards the end of next term.


The Laurel Trust is a charity with a track record of supporting schools serving disadvantaged communities to make sustainable differences to children’s learning and life chances. They provide grant-funding and work together with schools and other agencies to put evidence informed research into practice. 

We are pleased to bring you the next EVENTS issue with a featured article, highlighted programmes, courses and events from our delivery partners to support your professional development and enhance the work of your school.

SWIFT Spring Leadership Forum
Harry Fletcher-Wood will be presenting on How to Improve Teaching who will be looking at why it is hard to improve teaching, and what teachers, leaders, and schools can do to make it easier. 
Plus, there is an introduction to the CODE Maths Hub by Hub Lead, Laura Clitheroe, and a foreword about SWIFT by Martin Smith, Executive Director. Find out more and book here
 
Highlighted Courses/Support:

• SWIFT Secondary Leadership Professional Community
• Supporting Learners with Extreme Anxiety and Demand Avoidance
• Working Smarter Not Harder: Embracing AI with Mr P ICT (three sessions)
• Fully-Funded Opportunities from The MTPT Project
• Professional Communities

• Primary and Secondary Subject Briefing
• EYFS & Primary Courses
• Secondary & Sixth Form Courses
• Improving Oral Language Programme with Devon Research School
• Other events for your diary

Now live it's the final UPDATE of 2025 and our ruby edition.

To start us off, Executive Director Martin Smith aptly considers "the collective goodwill that exists within the profession around supporting one another to develop" - not least in our role as Teaching School Hubs. Plus a special Happy Christmas message and a reminder of all the lovely aspects of being a teacher and leader at this time of year.

It is proving to be very popular, so remember to sign-up for the Spring Leadership Forum in January with keynote speaker Harry Fletcher-Wood presenting on improving teaching, an intro to the CODE Maths Hub with Laura Clitheroe and a foreword by Martin.

Thinking about understanding engagement amongst low-income White children in England’s schools, you can find out more in the report by The Engagement Platform with some suggested support ideas. Read up too on the latest webinar led by the South West English Hubs on the Department for Education's Writing Framework published earlier this year.

Keeping it relevant, there is more guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation on Metacognition and self-regulated learning from Devon Research School. Equip yourself with the three new classroom tools to support you putting the evidence into practice.

If you are looking to refine your timetabling tools, our sponsor SchoolPro TLC share their year-round timetabling approach to strengthening this essential work within school and they are available to support you if you need that helping hand.

Faye Steele, our Senior Administrator for the SWIFT Appropriate Body Service is our December interviewee and how good it is to know that she is at the helm for this integral service with her “relentless unwavering determination to procure the information we need on time and to meet our deadlines and tracking.” We are only as good as our staff and systems!
 
If you are deliberating about taking the bold step to change your contracted catering to in-house, read on as our sponsor Educatering share all the benefits of keeping your own kitchen staff, behind-the-scenes support, compliance and allergen management, staff training, bespoke menu development - and SO much more that makes sense for a fully supported service.  

Looking ahead to January, if you need any teacher cover, our sponsor Exeter Supply Partnership remind us why not all supply services are the same and the benefits of working with them. For a start, this not-for-profit organisation with true heart puts people first - and that means supporting local schools and teachers.

We are nearing the shortest day and if you need a reading boost, remember to check out Mr T’s instructional series (AKA Christopher Tribble, Headteacher at Honiton Primary School). We like an edifying read!

We are glad to work with you, support you and hope that you will end the Autumn Term on an uplifting note with the end of term Christmas celebrations.

See you in 2026! 

Following the release of The Writing Framework, English Hubs are delivering a series of webinars specifically aimed at school leaders and teachers to ensure an understanding of the importance of writing, the key messages, and expectations for writing over the next academic year, and to help planning the next steps in their school.

The third webinar in the series last week looked at the Importance of Reception for English Leads and Early Years teachers with Vanessa Morley and Michael Kimber from the Kernow and Cornerstone English Hubs hosting the session on behalf of the South West English Hubs.

The Writing Framework was published by the Department for Education in July this year and outlines a common approach to teaching writing based on evidence and existing good practice.
 
“All our children should be successful writers able to share their ideas confidently and articulately. Enabling children to write clearly and well is critical to success both at school and beyond.”
(Foreword by the Secretary of State for Education)
 
The Framework is non-statutory guidance intended to ensure Reception children have the best possible start, feel included in a strong whole school writing culture and start to feel like writers, finding joy in communicating and writing, encouraged to enjoy writing and to experience what it is like to write.

Following a significant drop in writing skills during the pandemic, writing is at its lowest at Early Years Foundation Stage since 2022.

The key objective of the Framework is to help schools meet the expectations set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and the National Curriculum, and it also aligns with Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework and the Reading Framework.
 
The Government’s Plan for Change has set a milestone for 75% of children to reach a Good Level of Development (GLD) at the end of Reception by 2028.

The Writing Framework is a national priority with support to schools from the RISE Teams.  There is also further support around this area available to schools for free through the National English Hubs from September 2026.
 
It is essential to build on the writing foundation in Reception to underpin children’s skills by the end of Key Stage 2 SATs. Building on foundations for success will help to build a strong writing culture and a community of writers with positive implications later in children’s schooling and GCSE Language success.

The webinar discussed how all children should be supported to with daily teaching to support their writing journey including letter formation and spelling instruction in phonics as well as time to ensure all children have explicit handwriting instruction in addition to this daily lesson.  Phonics teaches letters in an order that will generate the most words and handwriting teaches letters in groups of letters with a similar formation.
 
The Writing Framework encourages teachers to:
 
1. Foster a love of language through shared reading, storytelling, learning and repetition of rhymes, poems and songs.
2. Create opportunities for expressing thoughts and ideas.
3. Encourage high-quality interactions between children and adults.
4. Model high-quality language and echo what children say.
5. Question sensitively. 

“The most successful schools teach the two distinct parts of writing – oral composition and transcription – separately in the early stages.” (Ofsted)
 
Whilst children are developing their ability to form letters and spell in Reception, the majority of composition will be oral, and there needs to be lots of practice in how to compose simple sentences orally. Children should be supported in how to make links between talking and writing to say out loud what they wish to write, or else they are unlikely to be able to write it.

Teaching needs to be explicit in how to compose sentences regularly and consistently all of which should not be rushed; but with opportunity to practise for oral rehearsal. The key is to keep it simple, thinking about developing quality rather than quantity.
 
Writing is complex and it involves motor and cognitive skills.  This can be a challenge for young children in the classroom. The physical development of writing should be supported in how children develop motor skills that underpin writing to develop consistent routines for handwriting in a considered way.
 
Writing can also be encouraged during play. For example, writing menu cards in play kitchens, labelling instructions and activities that support the physicality of writing.

The Writing Framework encourages teachers to be ambitious for all pupils including those identified for SEND and every child should receive and be included in writing instruction.
​
For children who find writing difficult, teachers need to identify and respond to their strengths and difficulties, and it is important that the teacher observes the children’s techniques and spots any errors and then plans on how to close this gap.
 
Success builds motivation and self-motivation is vital to build in every child.  Schools are encouraged to have consistently high expectations and to identify the needs in their own school. 

The English Hubs will be delivering another three Writing Framework webinars in the Spring Term. 
Webinar 4 will be looking further at transcription, Webinar 5 will explore Composition and the final Webinar 6 will be focusing on Pupils Who Need the Most Support. 

​All six webinars are being recorded and schools can access these through their local English Hub for free.

Report by Jude Baylis, SWIFT Executive Assistant

“With this essential relationship with our schools in place I believe in a relentless unwavering determination to procure the information we need on time and to meet our deadlines and tracking.”

​Faye's passion for admin systems started with her HND in European Business Administration at her local college in Torquay.  Taking these new skills and deciding to pursue temporary contracts was a key factor in building resilience and learning to embrace change and the ability to hit the ground running.   Faye’s roles were naturally streamlined and focused within HR and Education, and after taking a year out to backpack around the world, she returned to the world of education, joining a commercial training organisation that supported small businesses.  Her skills developed beyond administrative processes, into adult training, NVQ assessing and new business advice and guidance. 
 
Life changed dramatically when her first son was born and she kept her mind busy by helping with the admin tasks for a local HR consultancy. Once her children were of school age, Faye pursued new opportunities and contacts in primary education and joined Riviera Education Trust as CPD Administrator and Clerk to the Board of Directors and is still part of the Trust today.  Her role developed over the years, working within the Strategic Partnership, under the umbrella of SWIFT and the Appropriate Body for Kingsbridge Teaching School Hub. 
 
Fast forward four years and Faye was promoted to the Senior Administrator Lead for the Appropriate Body, enabling her to be involved in the integration of the Colyton and Kingsbridge Teams into one Appropriate Body Service (AB) and to design and coordinate the integral systems for the SWIFT AB Team.  
 
At this moment in time Faye feels super-lucky to be working with a wonderful team committed and passionate about education and supporting teachers to become the best teachers that they can be.  To play a part in that supportive development of teachers and in turn, the future of children's education, gives Faye true meaning in her working life – not least on a December morning!
 
1. What skills and experience do you bring to your role as Senior Administrator of the SWIFT Appropriate Body Service?
I think being organised is a key function of my job. From my working history, I have undertaken a number of admin roles in different settings, and I liked learning something new in every role. I always apply myself and enjoy learning something new and I consider tasks like project management. I look at the end goal and the end of the academic year and think, what do we need to achieve by the end of this year and work backwards to complete task on a termly basis.  Having worked in the role with SWIFT for four years, it works well to breakdown those tasks and achievements each term.
 
I think it helps that I am reflective and constantly looking at our systems in place and thinking how can we make this work better? How can we easier track that information? How can we manipulate the information we have to make sure that all the parties in our AB Team can access the information they need to be able to do their job effectively.
 
Being reflective and constantly reviewing our practices to be as efficient as possible for all participants is something I have refined.  My job is very much about tracking all of the information and based around an integral system, which was essential when we recently joined the two Appropriate Body Services to become SWIFT AB, it was helpful for me to apply that reflective approach to the systems to ensure that we have learned lessons from the two AB Services and looking and deciding what works best from both.

2. What do you find to be more rewarding?
That is tricky! Lots.
 
I feel very lucky because I get to work with ECTs, Induction Tutors and Headteachers, as I am the first port of call for them for the SWIFT Appropriate Body Service.
 
Most ECTs glide through their induction period, but some have a little wobble, and some wobbles can sometimes snowball, so I am glad that I am their contact to advise and help them with the guidance that we use and to signpost and allocate them to either our primary or secondary leads where necessary. Where I am not entirely sure of a query, I can always contact the Early Career Teacher Programme Team.
 
I find it rewarding knowing that I have made the ECTs’ induction a bit easier and proactively supported them when they needed some help, because my job revolves around those integral systems. As a tracking and spreadsheet queen, I can also help my Team by smoothing the work of SWIFT AB Leads: Tania Cox, Chris Barnett, and Jen Knowles.
 
So, I like to think that I get rewards from all ends of the scale. 

3. How do you ensure compliance with Department for Education statutory induction requirements?
Obviously, I need to understand the statutory requirements in the first place and keep up-to-date every time anything changes.
 
The biggest factor for me is building good relationships with our ECTs, Induction Tutors, and Headteachers to start with, which probably begins with good communication and ensuring that their first email communication from me is friendly and straight to the point. We understand that our colleagues in schools are busy people, and it is important to provide the right information at the right time, and obviously always offer support, and that they know that I am here to help them and to build on the relationship. 

With this essential relationship with our schools in place I believe in a relentless unwavering determination to procure the information we need on time and to meet our deadlines and tracking, and that all the tracking information is available so that we know whom we need to contact, by when, and what information is missing.
 
4. How do you develop your relationships with Schools and Mentors?
Yes, so building on the previous question, it starts with effective email comms, and making sure all stakeholders have all the right information they need from me at the right time, as we understand they are busy people. It is also about acting promptly if they ask a question or need something, that it is provided promptly and followed up in a timely manner with a continual offer of support. Always understanding that we know what we are asking of them, especially at busy times. 

5. What have you found to be the most significant update from the new statutory guidance issued earlier this year?
I think the most significant update is that the Early Career Framework has changed to the Early Career Teacher Programme (ECTP), which integrates Initial Teacher Training (ITT). Although ITT is not my strand of work, there has been a huge change in vocabulary and terminology, and I had learned to navigate and understand the changes and what they mean, but also understand that our ECTs, ITT Induction Tutors and Mentors are going to reach out to us and ask when they are uncertain too.
 
I understand that there is an obvious learning curve here for us all, but I think what has impacted on my day-to-day work the most is that the Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA) and Department for Education (DfE) have changed the core tool that we use to report. Working through these changes was a huge piece of work last summer, and also the way that we report our ECTs induction start dates and pass dates when they leave and move onto a different school. It has been necessary to adjust our admin processes accordingly and ensure that we are recording the correct information at the right time and manipulating it in a format that we can easily upload and report in time for the DfE.​

We are pleased to bring you the next EVENTS issue with a featured article, highlighted programmes, courses and events from our delivery partners to support your professional development and enhance the work of your school.

Passive Intervention and Prevention Strategies (PIPS) Training
PIPS training is aimed at all staff working in Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, Special Schools and Alternative Provisions. It aims to support staff in developing a consistent, effective and acceptable team approach to managing behaviour, while, crucially, maintaining positive relationships and minimising risk for all. Find out more and book here
 
Highlighted Courses/Support:

• SWIFT Secondary SEND and Inclusion Briefing/Workshops
• Lego Therapy Workshop
• Online Safety Training for Educators and Professionals
• Healthy Bs - Bladders, Bowels & Bathrooms!
• Professional Communities

• Primary and Secondary Subject Briefing
• EYFS & Primary Courses
• Secondary & Sixth Form Courses
• Other events for your diary​

This year's conference at the Phoenix Arts Centre in Exeter was bigger than ever, opened by visual artist, David Shrigley with panache and purpose. David reminded the audience how teaching Art "is not only about technique or curriculum – it is about nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and courage."

Through workshops, delegates shared ideas, challenges, and successes across their own Schools and Trusts, and counties. Inspiring Art Leads, including Sara Elston (WEST Trust) and Renata Fry (Ted Wragg Trust), shared their stories about how to sustain passion and purpose in their careers, and the transformative impact of working with artists in schools.

One of the most personal and powerful parts of the day for Sam was sharing the CODEX Project: a collaboration between Sidmouth School of Art, Sidmouth College, artist Emma Molony and Sam himself. This marked a moving return to Sam's roots to his old school where Emma’s mother, Liz, was his Art Teacher.

"To go back, not as a student, but as an artist and teacher, and to work with the next generation of young creatives was incredibly moving."

This conference was a new chapter, built on a strong foundation over the past decade by Sam and Tim Wightman as co-lead of the Devon Art Teachers’ Conference, continuing the legacy of Phil Creek and Chris Wightman (Tim’s father).

Inspired by their vision of "a connected, collaborative community of art educators," this year they took that vision a step further and expanded the reach across the South West, bringing together educators from all phases, settings, and provisions - from Early Career Teachers to experienced Subject Leads.

"The day was a celebration of teaching as an art form in itself, and a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to the future of art and design education."

We thank Sam for his engaging enthusiasm for the Arts and for all that he does to support creative journeys in the classroom and the community. 
Report by Jude Baylis, SWIFT Executive Assistant

Be part of the Arts Journey
If you live in the South West and want to get involved in this growing network of Art Teachers, or learn more about CODEX and future events, we encourage you to contact Sam Eyre.

Watch out for details of the 2026 Summer Art Conference.

 “It is great that units of learning can be adapted to align with the school’s own development, which means that the ECT’s areas for development are rooted in the context of a “real life” school. The impact of the ECT’s development will be tangible, observable and practicable.”

Our Teaching School Hubs Team have been busy leading the Early Career Teacher Programme induction conferences this week and we seized the opportunity to interview Jayne Miners, a Primary Mentor at Halwill Primary School.

Jayne qualified as a Teacher of the Deaf over 20 years ago and has taught most year groups across the primary phase. She also has a Master’s in Educational Audiology and an NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Jayne returned to mainstream teaching at Halwill Primary School, part of The Carey Federation led by Executive Headteacher Ruh Alford and in 2014 became the Head of Teaching and Learning.
 
Jayne recalls her excitement teaching her first class of children armed with a PGCE qualification and endless enthusiasm. Luckily, she took to teaching and loved it then and she still loves it all these years later and is grateful to have worked with a fabulous team of teachers where personal and professional support was unwavering.
 
However, thinking back to her NQT year (as it was called back then) her experience was very different to that of an Early Career Teacher (ECT) today. Her development as a teacher was measured through formal lesson observations, and this felt very much like a judgement rather than an opportunity for professional development. There was little space in the system, at that time, to sit and reflect on best practice and ways to develop skills needed to ensure each child was getting the best possible teaching.
 
This is why Jayne believes the Early Career Teacher Programme (ECTP) framework offers the ECT a very different and much needed experience that scaffolds and sequences learning across a well-planned two-year cycle.

​1. How does your role as a Primary Mentor for the ECTP benefit you personally?
First and foremost, being a Mentor is something that I greatly enjoy.
To be able to support an Early Career Teacher (ECT) to begin their journey into education is a privilege. Building relationships and providing a safe place for the ECT to share their experiences, is at the heart of it all.
 
I enjoy dedicated time to read relevant research material, and, in all honesty, this could be lost were I not a Mentor. My thinking is focused on how pedagogy and teaching materials can be best utilised. Better informed, I can help the ECT to find those active ingredients needed to facilitate effective teaching with vison and clarity.
 
2. How has the role and training supported your work in school?
As Head of Teaching and Learning, planning for and leading professional development is key.
The reading and the training I receive as a Mentor helps me to reflect on the ways I can support staff to build knowledge, develop teaching techniques, motivate and embed practice. The material presented by the National Institute of Teaching’s platform, PRISM allows us to develop that evidence-based approach and aligns with the explore, plan, deliver sustain cycle of development.
 
3. What do you consider to be the advantages of the new Early Career Teacher Programme?
There is a clear structure and expectation that enables Mentors and ECTs to focus on improving skills to improve outcomes for pupils – and that is what it is all about!
 
It is great that units of learning can be adapted to align with the school’s own development, which means that the ECT‘s areas for development are rooted in the context of a “real life” school. The impact of the ECT’s development will be tangible, observable and practicable.
 
4. How do you tailor your mentoring to support Early Career Teachers in your school/Trust to apply the ECTP framework within the primary classroom?
Once we had both attended our induction seminars, we met to discuss the logistics of meeting space and times and the use of use of PRISM and when would be best to carry out weekly observations.
 
Also, we had an honest conversation about the way information should be relayed. Every Mentor is different. Some like to muse over observation notes, whilst some can happily digest there and then and the way they like to share ideas, even as small a point as the way we sit – opposite each other, or side by side.
 
This is all with the aim of allowing the ECT to feel most comfortable. This transparency has always been so effective and allows the ECT to take ownership of the pace and delivery of the meeting. Then we looked carefully at the Self Study units and how electives would be selected following diagnostic tools.
 
Following this, the ECT and I discussed our observations. I stress the “our” because once notes are taken, it becomes a collaborative process where granular elements for practice can be discussed. We talked about the need for each precise practice to be small enough so that it can be easily implemented and have the highest leverage very quickly.
 
This is a truly great way to approach development and very different from way back in 1993!

5. What are your hopes for this academic year?
To continue to sustain high expectations in my own practice and behaviours to show how much I care about the education of the children in the Carey Federation School and to continue to develop as a Mentor to ensure that I am best placed to support all staff including those very first steps of the ECT at the beginning of their exciting journey.

The penultimate week of term and we are pleased to bring you the final UPDATE for 2025 - 2026.

It is also the final introduction for Roger Pope who steps down at the end of this term from his SWIFT Strategic Lead role. We hope you have enjoyed Roger's reflective intros as much as we have and we thank him for being such a stalwart and dedicated deep thinker that has steered us on our SWIFT journey over the past five years.  

Aptly, Roger's final feature begins at his beginning when he was on teaching practice in 1979 and brings us right up to date with the brave bold world of AI, ending on a buoyant note about the role of teachers: 

"I cannot think of a time when the job of teachers is becoming more crucial.  Teaching people how to think. Guiding young people in making career and life choices in a rapidly changing and complex world."

We report on the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Strategy Group for Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay case studies exploring best practices in supporting primary ITT placements in rural schools and secondary schools offering placements to multiple ITT providers.

If you were with us a few weeks ago at our 2025 Summer Conference, we hope the positive energy is lingering for you. If you need a re-boost, you can read the report and relive some of the highlights in this issue. 

On the theme of professional development that counts, it is the final week of the early bird offer to sign-up for SWIFT CPD and Membership for 2025 - 2026. Benefit from discounted and free CPD to enhance the work in your school bringing the best of local and national - featuring energising names such as Dan Fitzpatrick, Mr P ICT, Craig Barton and The Engagement Platform. To name but a few. Find more information and register here 

Whether you know him from his books full of wisdom and good karma, or from the teaching world, you will know that Christopher Tribble has spent his professional career largely engaged in school improvement. Read and relish his wisdom in our July interview.

The Colyton Foundation are on a mission here in the South West to help disadvantaged pupils overcome some of the steepest barriers to educational success due to the unique combination of geographical and socio-economic challenges. Find out how the Foundation can support your students in Director Nick Wakeling's article on The South West Landscape: Isolation, Overlooked Talent, and a Region in Need.

Our sponsor SchoolPro TLC have been busy compiling some useful FAQs for schools about the new Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 that gained Royal Assent last month. It is worth a read as there will be some implications from a DPO perspective for schools over the next 12 months.

Meanwhile our other sponsors are all here to support you. Be ready for your September staffing with Exeter Supply Partnership working with local schools across the county providing a friendly and efficient service. 
Educatering celebrate their fourth birthday and are going from strength-to-strength providing children in schools with delicious, nutritious, restaurant-quality meals and helping school Catering Teams to feel confident and in control of their kitchens again. Whilst ONVU Learning continue the third conversation with Discovery Schools Academies Trust CEO, Paul Stone and consider how bold educational change is not only envisioned but implemented. 

It is all here for you and may it count.
For this final issue of 2024 - 2025, on behalf of the SWIFT Team, we wish you all a happy and rewarding end of term and a lovely sunny summer holiday. 

You can see here the programme for our 2025 SWIFT Summer Conference TODAY, Thursday 19 June 2025 at the Future Skills Centre in Exeter:

With special thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors: 
Elementa Support Services
Exeter Supply Partnership
Educatering
ONVU Learning
SchoolPro TLC
Whole School SEND

We are pleased to bring you this next EVENTS newsletter with details of professional learning opportunities to support you. 
 
SWIFT Summer Conference 2025 | #SWIFTConf25
The final few places are available for the SWIFT Summer Conference 2025 on Thursday 19 June 2025 at the Future Skills Centre in Exeter.

As our premier leadership event dedicated to empowering educators, fostering innovation, and driving excellence in education, this year's conference promises to be an inspiring and enriching experience.
 
Highlighted Courses:

• South West Art Teacher's Conference
• Resilience, Equity, and Inclusion in Education Conference 2025
• Leading High Attainment Programme
• Advanced Coaching Programme for School Leaders
• New SWIFT NIoT Early Career Teacher Programme (ECTP) 
• The Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher (MTPT) Project
• Addressing Educational Disadvantage through Social and Academic Inclusion
• Professional Communities
• Primary Subject Leader Briefings
• Events for your diary

We are back! The start of a new half term with an added impetus as the final chapter of this school year 2024 - 2025 - but with an eye on the next year around the corner. 

Strategic Lead Roger Pope is in contemplative mood prompted by a 40th wedding anniversary party invitation, looking back on some of the changes in education: 

"So, have times changed? Yes, schools are much kinder places, with greater mutual respect and much more driven to be for the benefit of all their students whatever their circumstances. Call it inclusion if you like – it is something much more precious than the word implies."

We bring you details about the Resilience, Equity and Inclusion in Education Conference in November. This is guided by our collective purpose as educators, understanding that equity and inclusion in education are important to ensure that every learner, regardless of their background, location, or situation has the support and resources they need to thrive. We hope you will take a closer look at the line-up for this event and join us if you can.

Ever striving for the best, we are pleased to be working with the Colyton Foundation on Leading High Attainment - a rigorous year-long development programme that equips school leaders to drive systemic improvement in provision for high attainers in their schools.

Our interview for this issue is with Sarah Plowman, School Catering Manager and Helen Vincent, School Business Manager at Whipton Barton Infant and Nursery School who share their enthusiasm for school dinners working closely with our sponsor Educatering. You can also read some of Educatering's top tips on reducing food waste in school. 

Devon Research School explore how to reduce or optimise cognitive load based on the guidance of 
the Education Endowment Foundation’s (EEF) Cognitive Science approaches in the classroom: a review of the evidence We like these features intended to support us in refining good practice.

Our sponsor, ONVU Learning share the second conversation with Discovery Schools Academies Trust CEO, Paul Stone and reveal how thoughtful planning, transparency, and a focus on teaching and learning can drive meaningful change in schools.
 
Exeter Supply Partnership explain how supply teaching can unlock doors to permanent roles and do take advantage of their free recruitment support service to schools that provides teacher profiles, arranges a trial supply day, meeting or interview, before you make a final decision about temporary cover arrangement in your school.

You can meet all our sponsors and discuss with them in-person their services and products at our SWIFT Summer Conference on Thursday 19 June 2025. The final few places are available if you have yet to book. Find out more here 
​​
We very much hope that you will find something of interest and relevance in this month's issue that adds value to your work in school.  We are here to support you.

We are pleased to bring you this next EVENTS newsletter with details of professional learning opportunities to support you. 
 
SWIFT Summer Conference 2025 | #SWIFTConf25
The SWIFT Summer Conference is a premier event dedicated to empowering educators, fostering innovation and driving excellence in education. 

Taking place on Thursday 19 June 2025 at the Future Skills Centre in Exeter, this year's conference promises to be an inspiring and enriching experience for all attendees.
 
Highlighted Courses/Support:

• South West Art Teacher's Conference
• Advanced Coaching Programme for School Leaders
• New SWIFT NIoT Early Career Teacher Programme (ECTP) | Starts September 2025
• The Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher (MTPT) Project
• Addressing Educational Disadvantage through Social and Academic Inclusion
• Professional Communities 
• Primary Subject Leader Briefings

​

It is a shorter week after the Bank Holiday, so every second counts this week.

Associate & Strategic Leader of Teaching & Research Schools (ESW) Roger Pope CBE introduces this May UPDATE issue with an invitation to consider what else is within your control to raise standards in the light of the recent report: “A system that empowers - the future of professional development” from the Institute for Public Policy Research and Ambition Institute.

"It seems to me impossible to do anything other than agree with these recommendations. Of course, they make sense. But Government can be slow to act, and has many calls on its funding."

Apropos, we will soon be launching our professional development offer for 2025 – 2026 with what we like to believe will be the best ever programme of excellent value courses and events, plus a greater range of exceptional national authors, experts and organisations.  

On that note of looking to the future, Partner Director, Blackdown Education Partnership, Tania Cox reports on the New Horizons Leadership Event last term. The South West RISE Team, Ofsted, AQA...delegates commended this was a fit for purpose session.

Director of Teaching School Hubs, Jen Knowles shares the positive decision for the new SWIFT Early Career Teacher Programme (ECTP) from September 2025 when we will be working with National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) as our Lead Provider. Change can bring exciting times!

If you are looking to be uplifted, you will enjoy the Interview with Sam Eyre, Head of CREATE Creative Arts Academy at Coombeshead Academy who reminds us of the very real value of creativity in the curriculum. If you are inspired, you can book your place on the South West Art Teacher's Conference on Friday 4 July 2025 here

There is some interesting thinking shared by Devon Research School - on angle problems - by Amarbeer Singh Gill, Assistant Director of Greenshaw Research School and teacher educator at Ambition Institute. For Teachers of Maths and thinkers, Amarbeer consider Why Sometimes the Best Goal is No Goal… Using Cognitive Load Theory to Support Maths Teaching. 

Our sponsor, SchoolPro TLC provides a checklist and further guidance on AI in schools that is worth a read and if you sign-up with them, you can benefit from dedicated support in this brave new world. 

Whilst our other sponsors share updates of their services to support you. The Educatering Team have been hosting cooking classes and themed days across all their schools to excite and expand pupils’ culinary knowledge and palettes. You can read about the conversation between Commercial VP of ONVU Learning, Matt Tiplin and CEO of Discovery Schools Academies Trust, Paul Stone who shares his insights into his Trust’s implementation of ONVU Learning's video capture technology in the classroom. 
 
And if you have yet to discover South West Education Jobs for your FREE advertising, it is time you did!
You can have a look here 
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Plus a reminder if you have yet to register for this year's SWIFT 2025 Summer Conference #SWIFTConf25 
We will be there. How about you? Join us and be part of the conversation and return to school revitalised.

It is all here for you and we wish you an edifying read.