I hope that half term break last week gave you some breathing space and a chance to recharge. It seems the second half of the Spring term has come round so quickly this year with all the consideration of exam preparations and forward planning that this time of year brings. The Headteacher conference this week was a great opportunity to reconnect with each other and step back from the immediate pressures as well as to learn and reflect on a number of themes including belonging, social justice, resilience and continued ambition for both ourselves and the communities we serve. To have so many Camden education leaders in one room at one time gave a powerful message of our joint commitment to ensure that Camden continues to have a unique offer for young people. A special thank you to Rob Earrey for his brilliant pre dinner entertainment, a great reminder for us to retain a sense of magic and wonder (and heads)!

This half term there are many opportunities to continue to work and learn collaboratively including our subject network meetings, leadership masterclasses in managing a team and difficult conversations, safer recruitment, and Year 2 writing moderation. The second sessions from Orlene Badu on building anti racist classrooms are 18th March (online) and 26th February (in person), and our next breakfast meeting at St Marys Kilburn on the 15th March explores shared school leadership.

Thank you for everything you are doing, amid a busy time of year the mornings and evenings are getting lighter and there are signs of Spring in the air. Make sure you take time to enjoy it!

Stephen Hall

Chief Executive Officer, Camden Learning