We are thrilled to announce we have been able to appoint a new Principal, Anni Crawford, at Newman
School, marking a positive step forward for the school community and we do have a full introduction
within this TEAMtalk where Anni’s bio can be found. Additionally, we received the great news that
Caunton Dean Hole CofE Primary School was granted its Academy Order last month. This has paved the
way for us to appoint Joanna Crook as the new Principal of School at Whaley Thorns, plus she is the new
Sustainability Champion. With this appointment, we’re also pleased to announce that Charlotte Butcher
will now focus on supporting our Primary schools and satellites in her extended role as Primary School
Improvement Lead, where she will continue to focus on ensuring Caunton Dean Hole smoothly converts.
Another highlight I’d like to celebrate is the dedication of our staff who have reached a remarkable
milestone of 25 years of service within education. We’re incredibly proud of their commitment and
contribution and we have included a special section within this TEAMtalk.
Finally, it’s always good to hear about the courses and programmes you are studying and fits very much
with the support we offer for these through our People Strategy, launched to you in September at our
annual conference. Most recently achievements shared with me are from Michaela Glarvey who's
completed her Post Graduate diploma in Applied Leadership and Management. Please join me in
congratulating Anni, Joanna, Charlotte, and all our colleagues on their well-deserved success!
In terms of developments, the Newman School engagement building continues to make progress with
our senior leader’s input, and we have included 3D models in this TEAMtalk edition, and planning
permission is now being sought. At Stubbin Wood we have had Derbyshire County Council Cabinet
approval to move forward with the Primary development of Stubbin Wood and advise on undertaking
surveys to support our planning application. Further to this, Nicola Cook and l have met with Carol Gray,
Regional Director from the Department for Education for the East Midlands and shared these updates
with her, as well as further developments taking place across our satellite projects. We have had the
engagement meeting for the Secondary Mansfield Site and hope to start work on the caretakers
bungalow renovations in the coming weeks. We estimate this should take 12 - 16 weeks and plan for
transition for pupils to begin in the summer term.
Alongside all of these projects, Matt Morris and Olivia Sharp from the Central Team have been finalising
the programme for our National SEND and Inclusion conference in March which will be headlined by Sir
Martyn Oliver and be one of the OFSTED consultation events as well as part of the International Forums
for Inclusion Practioners research events in England. Additionally Matt and Olivia have been working on
developing all the schools and Trust websites, I am excited to share that these are now live!
Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your ongoing hard work and
dedication. Your contributions within your individual schools and across TEAM are truly
appreciated. Have a fabulous half term.
