July in schools is frenetic, and woe betide anyone who mutters the words, ‘You must be winding down now’ to anyone associated with the chaotic end of terms in schools!

Over here at Camden Learning, Thursday was a day that just kept giving, I was delighted to attend the Raising Aspirations event at Rhyl Primary School. It was a celebration with Year 5 and their parents and carers, to acknowledge and applaud the commendable work that the pupils have been undertaking with employers. Part of a project where the employers are supporting the school to inspire the next generation to think about the jobs and careers available to them. The school have, over the last few years, engaged and partnered up with the likes of Derwent, The Ritz and just brokered some new impressive partners with the likes of Outlandish and Facebook. The young people who spoke at the event were hugely confident, articulate and humorous, some of the important skills our employers are looking for, young people ready for the world of modern work.

Yesterday, Camden Learning were awarded their second major award in two years, by winning the Education Business category for procurement for the innovative work that Camden Learning and DePoel (now GRI-UK) established, where it was recognised the 14% savings on supply teachers, that have benefitted Camden schools. Significantly, the nomination for the category was directly from the researchers from Education Business themselves, who found our framework and impact, a creative way to support schools. The Education Business award is the second award that Camden Learning have achieved in the past 18 months, receiving recognition for the award winning Race to Health at the London Sport awards in 2018.

Finally, on a hot and sunny Thursday evening we held a celebration event for all our wonderful Camden NQTs who have successfully completed their NQT year. We recognised the achievement and hard work of this group who can proudly look back at their NQT year, where they can outline their successes, frustrations and key learning. NQTs shared these experiences yesterday with our own version of a ‘Tea Dance’, where there was a rich discussion and real buzz that I associate with teachers when they meet up to share their learning. My thanks go to Joy Morgan, Kate Frood, Vicky Green, Margaret Mulholland and Paranie Sivachandra who have between them organised and delivered a first class NQT offer and governance oversight. Well done to you all!

A reminder that next week the Secondary Breakfast Briefing is on Wednesday 10th July at 8am, the venue is The Crowndale Centre. Also we have the Primary Breakfast meeting on Thursday 11th July at 8am, which is just before the Primary Heads meeting itself at 9am, all on the 11th Floor 5PS. See you there.

Jon Abbey

Managing Director, Camden Learning