SWIFT UPDATE | ISSUE 37 | September 2025

Here we are again - a new school year and full of hopes and good intentions as ​Executive Director Martin Smith opens this first issue for 2025 - 2026:

"As we look ahead to the year, I would like to thank all our Partners for their system generosity. SWIFT was founded on the potential of creating a partnership of Schools and Trusts and other organisations to support teacher recruitment and retention in the area."

There is a reminder about the Resilience, Equity and Inclusion in Education Conference on Thursday 13 November 2025 if you are looking for something different. Join us in the lovely surroundings of Dartington Hall and be part of a day of ideas, practical strategies, and inspiring stories focused on the powerful themes of resilience, equity and inclusion in education. Find out more here 

At this timely September point, you can read more about the new Early Career Teacher Programme and as our September interviewee, Katy Micklewright - Head of the Early Careers Programme Faculty at the National Institute of Teaching, also shares her insights.

With our role in supporting staff development, if you have yet to do so, we remind you about the SWIFT CPD and Membership offer for 2025 - 2026. FREE access to a wealth of briefings and trainings plus a minimum 30% discount on an extensive range of courses and conferences. Find more info and how to register here 

For support in the classroom, you can sign up for the FREE support for Pupil Premium students with Key Stage 2 with Atom Home Learning. Find out more here 

Our sponsors bring news and services to support you too.

SchoolPro TLC share some insights about the phenomenon of AI that is changing all our lives and guidelines in how to protect your privacy and empower learning in the classroom. Well worth the read whatever your role may be in your school and Trust. 

Educatering guide you on the Department for Education’s (DfE) new nutrition standards that all schools in England are now required to meet.  Educatering will be sponsoring David Reed MP's annual Christmas Card Competition for children in Exmouth and Exeter East. Find out more here

Meanwhile our champions of teaching and learning tech, ONVU Learning bring us the fourth instalment of their conversation with East Midlands, Discovery Schools Academies Trust CEO, Paul Stone. This time they consider the brave decisions, real impact and leadership lessons from the frontline in using ONVU's lesson capture tech. 

As our local go-to primary supply service, Exeter Supply Partnership considers what makes a great supply school showing their practical care for the school and supply teacher. If you need last-minute cover or something longer term, ESP will do their best to match you with the right people quickly and smoothly.

May you start this new school year on the front foot with us.
On behalf of the SWIFT Team, we wish you all a purposeful start to the term and look forward to working and supporting you again this year.      

swift update | september 2025 | read here