We care, we learn, we grow

Welcome to 2021

Date: 14th Jan 2021 @ 6:39pm

Welcome 

On behalf of the Board of Governors, may I wish all of the Outwood Community a very warm welcome to 2021.  

As I write we are mid-way through January. In Heald Green this is the month that brings us the following: (source – holidayweather.com) 

  • Coldest average temperatures (High 6’C, Low2’C) 

  • Most number of rainy days (23 days) 

  • Least hours of sunshine per day (1 hour) 

This is hardly inspiring information. Can you blame people for feeling a little low at this time of year? In a normal year this is understandable, however, this year we have the additional complication of the COVID-19 pandemic to contend with which has forced us all to change the way we all work rest and play. When things are stacked against you it is not always easy to see the bright side of life. 

 

Good news is around the corner 

This time last year face masks, social distancing, PPE, bubbles etc were not part of everyday life - they certainly didn’t feature in the decision-making process of the governing board at Heald Green’s best primary school!  

But when a vaccine for COVID-19 was announced a sense of optimism quickly spread across the country, as people could foresee a return to normality. Since then we have had to endure the body blow of another lockdown and this is where we sit right now.  

As I was walking Pablo (my dog) last week I noticed that (if you look carefully) there are definite signs that brighter times are ahead.  The Spring bulbs are starting to appear in the beds, the trees are budding and the staff at Outwood Primary School were putting the finishing touches to their plans to deliver an outstanding learning proposition to the Outwood Community. I understand that much of this design was done over the holidays and my thanks go to those involved. 

On a similar note, before we had even heard of Covid 19, how many of you can honestly say that you saw teachers and school staff as Critical Workers? We all do now of course, but it is perhaps unfortunate that it has taken a pandemic to make this apparent. The role they play in the development of our young has never been in sharper focus. 

As a parent of a child who attends Outwood, the 2 things that have always appealed to me about the school as a place of learning are; firstly, the wonderfully professional and dedicated staff and secondly the openness and welcoming nature afforded to anyone who attends or visits. Having attempted to home school my own children during the past year I certainly appreciate them more than ever. The patience and understanding they must have!!  

 

Leading by Example 

An organisation needs strong leadership and direction. It also needs to respond to the needs of its community, adapting quickly to changes. Under the direction of Jenni Maude, and her strong Leadership Team, Outwood has been a beacon of strength and has been recognised for good practice at local level and by the regulator. 

Some of the working practices developed at Outwood during the last lockdown were shared by the local authority and adopted by other primary schools in the area. Interestingly, during November 2020, the school received a visit from OfSTED as it was looking to gain an understanding of how schools were managing to deliver the curriculum under such challenging circumstances. This could have been a random selection however in my experience these things rarely are. Word must be getting out that things are done well at Outwood. 

Furthermore, (and keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t jinx matters) Outwood has kept its doors open for learning when other schools in Heald Green have had to close. Again, this could be just good fortune, I prefer to think of it as good planning and management, and importantly, keeping the Outwood Community at the centre of decision making. 

Finally, all governing boards at schools have similar objectives – to hold the school leadership to account in achieving the best possible outcomes for our young learners. This board has challenged the school leaders to make Outwood the school of choice for parents and carers in Heald Green. If you would like to get more actively involved in shaping your child's education at Outwood we currently have a vacancy for a Parent Governor. Either contact me directly by email or look out for the nomination forms coming out this term. 

Stay Safe. 

 

Kind Regards 

 

Simon Carroll 

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS 

gov.simon.carroll@outwood.stockport.sch.uk 

 

P.S. Your role in the Outwood Community is vital in the long-term success of our young learners. If you have a question please ask – the school is there for your children. Any comments you make directly to me will be treated in confidence. 

  Alternatively, if you are happy with the school please spread the word about Heald Green’s hidden gem. In a competitive market some positive social media exposure is always very welcome! 

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