SWIFT UPDATE | Issue 35 | June 2025

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 
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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.

swift update | june 2025 | read here