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We all need to belong
17th November 2023
Following open days in our secondary schools earlier this term, many of our primary schools have been in the thick of open mornings and afternoons recently, busy showing groups of eager parents around our schools in the hope that they will apply for places to start next September. I know how much time and effort this takes across our schools in both sectors.
Interestingly, I was starkly reminded by one group of parents that the children who will enter our Reception classrooms in September 2024 are our ‘covid time’ babies. It will be interesting - and no doubt challenging - to see how this generation of young children cope with the huge social step up that school entails. We have already seen a change in the dialogue coming from parents; we’ve had enquiries about flexible schooling and whether this is an option, and how will we prepare for home learning?
I wonder whether the changing nature of society will continue?
The attitudes of the workforce have significantly changed, with many of us having friends and family who work from home or have much more flexible working options. Those of us working in education still struggle with this notion, yet we can’t sit back and ignore the fact that society is changing and so, as educational employers and establishments, we will need to shift our thinking and practices to be more flexible.
Our core business in schools is teaching and learning yet when you truly evaluate a school, it does so much more. Our schools are at the heart of our communities, providing warm, safe spaces. Every one of our schools demonstrates inclusion in its truest sense and that’s why working on site with our young people is so important. For some, coming to school every day and being greeted with a warm smile and an understanding nod is everything to make them feel like they belong.
I truly believe that belonging is a human right; belonging shows that someone cares for us and believes in us. Whether we are children or adults, the culture across Learning Partners is one of belonging.
I hope that in the coming weeks, as the challenges of the term lie ahead, you anchor yourself knowing that you belong in your school. Remind yourself of the difference you make to the young people you support and the colleagues and families you work alongside.
Following open days in our secondary schools earlier this term, many of our primary schools have been in the thick of open mornings and afternoons recently, busy showing groups of eager parents around our schools in the hope that they will apply for places to start next September. I know how much time and effort this takes across our schools in both sectors.
Interestingly, I was starkly reminded by one group of parents that the children who will enter our Reception classrooms in September 2024 are our ‘covid time’ babies. It will be interesting - and no doubt challenging - to see how this generation of young children cope with the huge social step up that school entails. We have already seen a change in the dialogue coming from parents; we’ve had enquiries about flexible schooling and whether this is an option, and how will we prepare for home learning?
I wonder whether the changing nature of society will continue?
The attitudes of the workforce have significantly changed, with many of us having friends and family who work from home or have much more flexible working options. Those of us working in education still struggle with this notion, yet we can’t sit back and ignore the fact that society is changing and so, as educational employers and establishments, we will need to shift our thinking and practices to be more flexible.
Our core business in schools is teaching and learning yet when you truly evaluate a school, it does so much more. Our schools are at the heart of our communities, providing warm, safe spaces. Every one of our schools demonstrates inclusion in its truest sense and that’s why working on site with our young people is so important. For some, coming to school every day and being greeted with a warm smile and an understanding nod is everything to make them feel like they belong.
I truly believe that belonging is a human right; belonging shows that someone cares for us and believes in us. Whether we are children or adults, the culture across Learning Partners is one of belonging.
I hope that in the coming weeks, as the challenges of the term lie ahead, you anchor yourself knowing that you belong in your school. Remind yourself of the difference you make to the young people you support and the colleagues and families you work alongside.
