We believe that investing in our people is one of the most powerful ways to improve outcomes for children and young people. Over the past two weeks, colleagues from across our family of schools have come together through Communities of Practice, specialist training events and leadership forums, demonstrating a shared commitment to continuous learning, professional excellence and collaboration.

Building Confidence and Consistency in Attendance Practice

Our fortnight began with the Community of Practice for Senior Attendance Champions, focused on Leading Excellence in School Attendance: Strategic Leadership for Senior Attendance Champions. Led by Sue Fuller, Trust Attendance Manager, the session explored how creating a strong culture of attendance is a whole-school responsibility, recognising the vital links between attendance, attainment, safeguarding, wellbeing and future life opportunities.

A particular highlight was hearing from Sarah Leaf, Head of School at St Nicholas Primary School, who shared the school's attendance improvement journey and the positive impact that consistent approaches across the entire school community can achieve.

Pastoral and administrative colleagues also came together for our Supporting Excellence in School Attendance Community of Practice. Led by Sue Fuller, the session focused on consistency of practice, using scenario-based activities to explore common attendance-related situations. Particular emphasis was placed on register coding, helping newer staff members build confidence and understanding in this important area. The session provided a valuable opportunity for networking and professional discussion, with colleagues sharing experiences, ideas and solutions throughout the afternoon finished with a lovely group photo!

Supporting Specialist Networks

We were also pleased to host our Community of Practice for English Leads in Special Schools, providing colleagues with the opportunity to collaborate, share effective practice and strengthen provision for learners across our specialist settings.

Led by Berni Moorcroft and Hannah Shearing from Ganton School, the session showcased a growing bank of exemplification materials and staged writing progression resources. Through examples of pupils' work, colleagues were able to see how writing progression can be evidenced in practice, providing valuable tools and insights that can be applied directly in classrooms.

Learning, Sharing and Safeguarding Together

This week also saw the Safeguarding Community of Practice, led by our new Head of Safeguarding and Welfare, Judith Wesley. The session included introductions for new colleagues, key updates from Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and practical tabletop exercises designed to support effective safeguarding practice.

Colleagues also contributed to themed discussions around training needs, areas of effective practice and future priorities. The open and constructive feedback shared will help shape future support, training opportunities and the ongoing development of the Community of Practice, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of staff across our schools.

Expert Insights on Sickness Absence Management

Headteachers, school business managers and HR staff benefited from a specialist training session on sickness absence management, delivered in partnership with Browne Jacobson.

The session explored the practical application of our new sickness absence policy, alongside recent legislative developments and best practice guidance. Supporting our employees remains at the heart of our approach, reflected within the policy through a strengthened focus on mental health and wellbeing, complemented by the wide range of staff benefits and Employee Assistance Programme available across the Trust.

The session was informative, practical and highly relevant, equipping leaders with the confidence and knowledge needed to support staff effectively. We are also exploring opportunities to host city-wide training on the employment tribunal process in the future, so watch this space!

Bringing School Leaders Together

The fortnight concluded with our Headteachers' Meeting, bringing leaders from across the Trust together to discuss key developments in education and share learning from across our schools.

Topics included reflections on recent Ofsted inspections at two of our schools, key messages from our recent Leadership Development Day, inclusion strategies and the showcasing of inclusive enrichment opportunities for pupils. As always, the meeting provided a valuable forum for collaboration, challenge and shared learning.

Working Together for Everyone

These events demonstrate the strength of collaboration across Humber Education Trust and our shared commitment to continuous improvement. By creating opportunities for colleagues to learn from one another, share expertise and develop their practice, we are building capacity across our schools and ensuring that every child and young person benefits from the very best education, care and support.