SWIFT UPDATE | ISSUE 38 | October 2025

In the SWIFT spirit of partnership, our ​Executive Director Martin Smith opens this October issue musing on "the power of a unifying cause" further to the launch conference for Your Future Story last month. 

"The Colyton Foundation – which has set up Your Future Story – has laid bare the inequity faced by disadvantaged pupils, and particularly high prior attainers, in the South West and sets out an ambitious, long-term plan to address this issue. Huge credit goes to The Foundation for bringing together over 100 school leaders and champions from schools across the region."

Read more about the conference and onwards work led by The Colyton Foundation in this issue. 

As the term races on, if you have yet to do so, you can still take up the SWIFT CPD and Membership offer for 2025 - 2026. FREE access to a wealth of briefings and Professional Communities, plus a minimum 30% discount on an extensive range of courses and conferences, many of which are led by educational experts. Find more info and register here 

This is the final week before the application window closes for the next National Professional Qualifications scholarship funded places. Funded places are limited nationally, and you will be well placed to apply. Unlike previous years, there is only ONE COHORT of programmes this academic year 2025 - 2026, due to commence in late November. If you are thinking about your next steps, get your application in by Friday 10 October 2025!

In this timely week when Mentors have been engaged in their Early Career Teacher Programme induction sessions, we interview Jayne Miners, Primary ECTP Mentor at Halwill Primary School, part of The Carey Federation. All her wisdom and experience shine through.

Find out what evidence-informed practice looks like in a Special School setting by guest blogger for Devon Research School, Julie Chatterton, Head of School at ACE Tiverton School:
"At ACE Tiverton the school wide practice of Restorative Justice is an excellent example of this. It is an approach grounded in evidence, whilst also being one that allows us to focus our underpinning value of ​“unconditional regard.”

We congratulate Danni Cooke on her appointment to the National English Hub Council. A fitting accolade for her dedicated and enthusiastic work for the Ilsham English Hub and our SWIFT Subject Leaders Briefings.

Our sponsors bring news and services to support you too.

If you are looking for a dependable Early Years and Primary teacher supply service with heart, we remind you about Exeter Supply Partnership. With their not-for-profit ethos, every penny goes back into supporting schools, nurseries and educators locally. Definitely worth noting their contact details, if you have not already. 
 
Educatering explains how you and your school can benefit from British Food Fortnight and why it matters in providing a whole nutritious experience to our children and young people in schools.  And if food waste is an issue in your school, Head of Educatering Services, Rob Stevens is available to visit your school to speak and support your Catering Teams. Contact Rob HERE 

This is the final instalment of the reflective teaching and learning dialogue between ONVU Learning VP Matt Tiplin, with East Midlands, Discovery Schools Academies Trust CEO, Paul Stone. This time they discuss equity, culture, and confidence and what happens when teachers lead the change. This is tried and tested tech that is making a difference. See how it might work for you. 

Thank you for being part of our SWIFT story and we wish you an uplifting continuation of the second half of this Autumn Half Term. 

swift update | october 2025 | read here