SWIFT UPDATE | ISSUE 44 | April 2026

The last day of term and in the midst of activities and celebrations, we are pleased to bring you the latest UPDATE.

Executive Director Martin Smith reflects on the connectedness of education: 
"'Uplifting' was the feeling I had when reviewing this issue of the UPDATE. What a rich and connected profession has been developed in education." 

From Initial Teacher Training to NPQs, we are more connected to high-quality research than ever before, which is enriching the teaching profession and thank you to all our school and Trust partners for working with us. 

Talking of which, you will be enriched at the 2026 Summer Conference on Thursday 18 June 2026 at Exeter Racecourse. Gain fresh perspectives, sharpen your skills, and connect with professionals who share your drive. Experience expert-led sessions and resources on a range of relevant topics designed to support your practice in school and the classroom: 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.

Deputy Headteacher and Induction Tutor, Jo Llewellyn at Widey Court Primary School shares their journey to effective mentoring: “At Widey Court Primary School, supporting Early Career Teachers (ECTs) is more than a statutory requirement - it is a deeply embedded part of our school’s culture.” With the most positive “shout-outs” for more than one Mentor, Jo shares their journey and top tips.

This month's interview is with Lindsay Cooper Smith, Director of Inclusion for St Christopher’s Academy Trust.
Lindsay loves her role as a Facilitator for SWIFT for both the Early Career Teacher Programme SEN Group and the NPQSENCo and reflects on supporting Special Educational Needs and inclusion in schools today. 

Devon Research School (DRS) signposts us to the Education Endowment Foundation’s (EEF) new adaptive teaching resource: Check.Adapt.resource that presents a simple, but actionable model to check understanding of all learners and adapt teaching to move learning forward.

The South-West Social Mobility Commission (SWSMC) have published The Equity Scorecard: Strengthening Educational Equity in Schools, bringing together findings from their pilot work across schools in the South West Peninsula. There is also an invitation to attend the FREE event 'In Conversation with Sir Martyn Oliver, HMCI’ on Wednesday 22 April 2026 from 1730 – 2000 at the University of Exeter. If you are interested in digging deeper into equity, the Commission are offering a professional learning qualification in ‘Leading Educational Equity: From Principles to Practice.’   

Further to previous issues, our sponsor SchoolPro TLC continues the theme of wellbeing and supervision for school leaders and considers the sometimes loneliness of leadership and how the Safeguarding Team can provide support. Contact here

Once again, Educatering our school catering sponsor have been busy in schools celebrating out-of-this-world food to enliven and enrich school catering. Enjoy the pictures! Contact the Team here to find out how they can support your Catering Teams.

Sponsor Exeter Supply Partnership are hosting an introductory session to primary ECT supply recruitment in Devon and Torbay on Wednesday 22 April 2026 from 1600 – 1700. You can also find out about the FREE South West Education Jobs - it's worth a look. Contact them here for support. 

We hope you find something to enjoy and enrich in this issue.
Thank you for this Spring Term and we wish you a happy and restful (and sunny!) springtime Easter break.

SWIFT UPDATE | APRIL 2026 | READ HERE

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