This week's edition includes:

OWN Trust Blog - by Trevor Goakes, Executive Deputy Headteacher

OWN Trust News - articles about meetings and events

OWN Schools' News - Young Voices

Introducing - A Profile of Farzana Haq, Phase 3/4 Teacher, Geography Lead and volunteers/placement Co-ordinator at NVPS

OWN Trust Community News - Community Update and Staff News

A Day in the Life... by Rachel Tansley, Year Six Teacher and English Lead at OWPS

Upcoming Events - dates for the diary

Vacancies   Contact Us - information about how to get in touch

'Trust' and 'Belonging' - What do they mean?

By Trevor Goakes, Executive Deputy Headteacher, OWN Trust

Trust: ‘assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something, one in which confidence is placed, dependence on something future or contingent - hope.’

Belonging: ‘a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group and having a good relationship with the other members of the group because they welcome you and accept you’

The OWN Trust stands for Opportunity, Work Together and Nurture. These are the values that define all of us within the OWN Trust.

Looking at the definition of the words ‘trust’ and ‘belonging’, it is amazing how many of those words/descriptions resonate with me, and I am sure with everyone who is reading this. Whatever your role is within the Trust, we all play a part to ensure the best for our children.

We want the children who attend the schools within the OWN Trust to be well-rounded individuals. We want them to be secure in Reading, Writing, and Maths, and have a wide range of cultural capital experiences. 

We are an inclusive Trust for all pupils in which children are encouraged to achieve their full potential regardless of their starting point. Ultimately, we want to nurture pupils who are ready for the next stage of their learning journey. Children who are ready to ask questions, challenge ideas, be resilient, and learn from their mistakes. We want to prepare our pupils to be part of the local community and the wider world.

The OWN Trust is one educational organisation over many sites and will hopefully continue to thrive and grow. It is a ‘family’ of schools where staff are proud to work for the OWN Trust. We want to lead the way so that other teachers and leaders aspire to work here.

I am proud to be part of the OWN Trust. I look forward to going to work. Although based at Woodston, I am fortunate to work across all three schools. Whichever school I am in, I am met with smiles and feel welcomed as part of the team - it is a great feeling to have! (And a cup of tea always goes down well!)

I have worked with staff in all schools and their passion is clear – we all want to do our best. Even if you have not yet had the chance to work in or visit a different school within the Trust, we can still all make a difference, however small, it all helps.

By having a strong understanding of where there is specific expertise across the Trust, we can start to utilise these strengths to help develop each other. I have been delighted to be part of the Trust Teams and Networks that have already been set up and look forward to seeing how they can impact on the Trust. We have looked at this dynamic as an improvement opportunity for staff and not just a ‘working’ together model. We can develop together!

I look forward to working with more staff across the Trust. I look forward to our future, whatever we achieve, and where our journey might take us. I'm certain we will be successful.

^{Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash}

OWN Trust Development Day 28.01.23

By Stuart Mansell, CEO, OWN Trust

Each year, Members, Trustees, Governors, Senior Leaders, and other staff contributors give up a Saturday morning to focus on how the Trust is developing and how we plan to move forward. By utilising a Saturday morning, it does mean that many of those attending, who actually fulfil their role as volunteers, don’t have to get time off from work. We are always very appreciative of the amount of time and support they offer voluntarily to support the Trust and the children.

This year we were based at the newly named Delta Hotel near the East of England Showground. Meeting at 8:30 am, there were four main themes for the day, split on either side of the OWN Trust Annual General Meeting.

The morning began with a presentation by our Executive Deputies, Nick File, and Trevor Goakes. It was great to see how the development of their cross-Trust roles had enabled such a change in perception and understanding of the different schools within OWN Trust. They were followed by Colin Marks (Headteacher at Orton Wistow) and Sarah Levy. Sarah is the Headteacher of Old Fletton, a school outside the Trust, but is acting as a school improvement consultant to support our quality of education agenda. It was amazing to see how much work has been done behind the scenes, not only to quality assure our own provision but to prepare for the onboarding of other schools when needed.

The AGM was brief but enabled the Members to check on the work that is driven by Trustees and senior staff. They were very complimentary, not only about the work that is going on but also about the very positive governance review that took place earlier in the year.

After a short break, Neil Reilly (Headteacher at Nene Valley) presented on the Ofsted process and how schools can best prepare for an inspection. The main theme was to identify ways that schools can demonstrate what they are achieving in the very best light, as often schools fail to share all the good things they are doing in the best way.

The morning was rounded off with a look at the OWN Trust's 5-year strategic plan. One of our goals was to break down the aims for the next 5 years into annual, achievable goals. Stuart Mansell (CEO) and Jacki Mitchell (Headteacher at Woodston Primary School) led the ‘high challenge, low threat’ activity, before drawing the event to a close. Coming together on a Saturday morning seems a little daunting as it approaches, but we always come away feeling a real sense of community and that we are adding value to the work of the Trust.

Finance and HR Committee Meeting

By Ian Ramshaw, Chair of the OWN Trust Finance and HR Committee

When the temperatures outside are sub-zero it is a relief to be able to meet without having to venture out into the cold. TV schedules are often just as bleak in January - so it was a delight that the Finance and HR Committee met via Teams on the evening of 19 January 2023.

The meeting discussed finance and HR matters against the backdrop of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. We reflected on the impact that these circumstances are having on both the Trust and its employees, with union members in some cases having recently voted for strike action.

People issues were reviewed with a focus on retaining and nurturing talent and leadership across the Trust as well as approving a series of policies that were due for a cyclical review and update.

The meeting focussed on assuring itself that: the Trust’s finances are being well-managed; that the impact on pupils of the ongoing economic squeeze is negligible; and, that we are prepared for future challenges.

Leadership Group Meeting 12.01.23

By Jacki Mitchell, Headteacher, Woodston Primary School

The OWN Trust Leadership Group meeting took place on the 12th of January 2023. Attendees included Stuart Mansell (OWN Trust CEO), Jacki Mitchell (Headteacher at Woodston Primary School), Neil Reilly (Headteacher at Nene Valley Primary School), Colin Marks (Headteacher at Orton Wistow Primary School) and Executive Deputy Headteachers, Trevor Goakes and Nick File.

The Trust Leadership group meetings occur twice a half-term; one of the meetings is longer as it encompasses a Standards focus.

The Leadership Group discusses data & curricula in each of the schools and matters that involve all 3 schools including Trust matters arising. We always have the pupils at the heart of our discussions.

Particular to the timing of this meeting was a discussion about the Trust Development Day, which was due to take place on Saturday 28th January at the former Marriott Hotel, involving Leadership Group members, Trustees, and Members of OWN Trust.

The meeting also discussed the pupil attainment forecasts and data to date, including the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check.

The tracking system for data that all schools use is Insight. Further reports that are generated from this system were discussed.

The schools’ Improvement Plan priorities were shared and opportunities for shared CPD were identified.

It was, as usual, a successful and productive meeting.

Find out what's been happening across the OWN Trust at Orton Wistow, Woodston and Nene Valley Primary Schools.

Young Voices 2023

This half-term children from WPS, NVPS and OWPS took part in the Young Voices event in Birmingham.

Woodston Primary School

By Alex Smith and Di Roberts

Full of excitement and anticipation the day had finally arrived. Sixty very excited children assembled in the school hall ready for the off!!!

Another year, another Young Voices! It was lovely to return to the usual activities of Young Voices in Birmingham. As usual, one of the highlights for the children was seeing all the sheep in the fields on the coach.

With two coaches in tow, Mrs Roberts led Woodston school into the arena and got us all settled for meal number one of the day. When we arrived at our seats, four rows of 20 with the best view of all, we were amazed at the size of the arena. Over 20,000 children were taking part. Singing in such a big choir was an amazing feeling. The atmosphere was electric, and the children were very excited. They did such a good job of remembering the actions and singing the songs.

Then, after the second pack-up, we had a little walk to stretch our legs and got ready for the parents to arrive. After lots of waving and shouting across the Arena, we finally spotted our visitors. Once they started filing in, the atmosphere came to life even more. There was a brilliant selection of songs, and we tried our hardest with every single one of them. We got to see Heather Small perform her famous song ‘Proud’ too! We loved seeing other people perform including Urban Strides, Beat Box Collective, and Anna Phoebe.

We were all so PROUD of you - The Woodston Choir! After such a hectic day we expected a few sleepy heads on the journey home.....no such luck!!!

Thank you to everyone who made the day possible; a day never to be forgotten.

Orton Wistow Primary School

By Mrs Francis, Year 4 Teacher, OWPS

On Wednesday 25th January, the OWPS choir set off for Birmingham to perform in a Young Voices concert. We had been rehearsing every week since October, and have even squeezed in some lunchtime rehearsals too. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to learn ten different songs.

We were all taken aback when we entered Resorts World Arena - would our voices fill this enormous space? However, as all the other schools came in, and we started our rehearsal we had nothing to worry about: the sound was phenomenal!

Once the rehearsal was over, we ate our tea and waited for our audience to arrive. We were a mixture of nerves and excitement, but as soon as the concert began we loved every moment. We sang with over 6000 other children, and some amazing acts including Urban Strides, Beatbox Collective, Anna Phoebe, and Heather Small!

It was an absolutely fantastic experience for us all, the atmosphere in the arena was electric! We are so proud of the children who came - they showed exemplary behaviour throughout the entire day. Here is what some of the children thought about the experience:

Migle in Year 3:

"It was amazing. I didn't know it was going it was going to be like that but it was really fun. Urban Strides dancing was energetic and fantastic!"

Lucy in Year 5:

"At the start of the day, I was so excited because we were finally going to Young Voices. Throughout the day we got nervous then it was the best day of our lives. Anyone who gets the chance to go to Young Voices should take it."

Avie in Year 6:

"For the last song, the Nile Rodgers medley, a disco ball came on and lit up the whole room. That made me feel so excited I couldn't stop dancing."

We'd like to say a huge thank you to the staff and parents who came along to help - it was a very long day, we really appreciate your time and support.

Nene Valley Primary School

By Nick File, Executive Headteacher, NVPS

Last Monday, our brilliant choir and some dedicated teachers, and other adults swung into action at the O2 for Young Voices. 

For some it was their first experience of a massive arena, for others being in an audience of thousands was very new. Either way, the children had a lifetime experience, which I know they will always remember.

The children did Nene Valley Primary proud and represented the school with enthusiasm, confidence, and respect for others.  

Our thanks go to all the adults, who put in extra hours to learn the songs, who made sure the children had a positive experience, and who deserved a lie-in on Tuesday morning, but came back in to teach!

Both Woodston and Orton Wistow also went to Young Voices but booked the venue in Birmingham, maybe next year we will all be together?

Thank you for the positive messages we received:

"Please can you pass on a massive thank you to all the teachers and helpers yesterday? The kids had a brilliant day and from our seats, we could see the staff all working really hard to look after the kids. Thanks again for giving the kids a great memory."

Discover more about how those within the OWN Trust got involved in education and what inspires them to do the job they do!

This week, we learn more about Farzana Haq, Phase 3/4 Teacher, Geography Lead and Volunteers/placement Co-ordinator at Nene Valley Primary School.

Beginnings... 

Farzana grew up in Peterborough and loved going to her primary school, the Beeches. She loved reading and remembers being mesmerised listening to her teacher read ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.’ She felt she was being transported into another world as she stepped into the wardrobe. 

Apart from reading, she has many other fond memories of school life including playing a key role in the Christmas play ‘Befana’ and writing a letter to Princess Diana, which received a response from her lady-in-waiting. She loved being on the school cricket team and, whilst on a school trip to watch a cricket test match between England and Pakistan, she had the opportunity of having her picture taken with some of the players. 

Finding a vocation... 

Farzana loved helping younger students in school including listening to Year 2 students read. Her Year 6 teacher encouraged her to go into teaching and told her she should be a teacher. The Year 2 teacher insisted she must be a teacher. And so it was decided: she will be a teacher. And from that day onwards, it became her goal and her passion. 

A trip to Stibbington probably cemented this idea. Dressed in Victorian clothes, Farzana had the honour and privilege of being the ‘teacher’ on the trip and again in the assembly once they returned to school. Before leaving Year 6, her career ambitions were well and truly established. 

In secondary school, Ken Stimpson, her journey continued with her love of reading and writing. She wrote pen pal letters and introduced a new section on staff members in the school newsletter, to which she regularly contributed. She also enjoyed leading and organising events both within and outside of school. The most memorable being when she and a few friends ‘kidnapped’ their headteacher, Mr Mullen, tied him up with rope in his office, and held him to ransom to generate publicity for the Christmas Shoebox appeal. A picture of the hostage appeared in the Evening Telegraph.

Farzana had amazing teachers throughout her school career, who inspired her and, along with her parents, pushed her to achieve her best. And so, she continued on her journey towards becoming a teacher. She completed her A-Levels in English, Drama, and Sociology and went on to complete her degree in Social Sciences and Law at Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough. She then spent several years working as a TA/cover supervisor in a secondary school and then a TA in a primary school before completing her PGCE at the Cambridge Faculty of Education. 

“It took a while, with a few bumps in the road,” she remarked, “but it was worth it, as I loved it then, and I love it now.” Farzana is grateful to the people and the experiences that have helped shape her into the teacher she is today and wants to be able to have a positive impact on the children in her care. She wants children to love school life as much as she did and to be immersed in their learning: “I want them to know that we care about them and believe in them, not just as learners, but as young people.” Farzana explains that being a teacher is so much more than teaching formal lessons but often involves helping children navigate through life including supporting them to make friends, manage their emotions, and build resilience and self-confidence. 

Current role and inspirations... 

Nene Valley was recommended to Farzana by a friend who said that the ethos of the school would be a good match for her, and it really is. She particularly enjoys the OWN Trust’s focus on nurturing a lifelong love of learning and creating opportunities for children to thrive. She also values the emphasis the Trust places on the well-being of both children and staff. 

As well as her main teaching role, Farzana has really enjoyed her Well-Being role at the school over the last few years and her involvement with volunteer and student placements. She feels that being able to support future TAs and Teachers, and being in some small way a part of their journey is a fulfilling role and, at the same time, humbling as it reminds her just how much more there is always to learn.

Life lessons... 

When asked about what advice she would give to her younger self about life and careers, she mused: 

Our paths may wind through unexpected terrain

What we seek may not be what we find

Nurture and embrace the choices you make

Trust that it all will align

Remember those who hold your hand

Uplift you time and again

See everything in life as an opportunity

To learn, to grow, to attain.

Catch up on what's been happening within the OWN Trust community.

If you'd like to make any suggestions or comments about community activities within the OWN Trust, please have a chat with the OWN Trust Community Representative in your school:

Carly Pearson (NVPS), Joanne Simmons (OWPS) and Kelly Fenton-Bradshaw (WPS).

Social Events

By Fiona Schneider, Marketing and Communications Lead, OWN Trust

Plans are afoot for social events to take place across the spring and summer terms.  We are very grateful to those members of staff who are currently organising these events.  We hope that there will be something to suit everyone's tastes and budgets, and that you will feel inspired to get involved too.

Theatre Trip - Spring/Summer Term

Thank you to Suny Tkaczuk (WPS), Hannah Scothern (NVPS) and Linda Harries (OWPS) for kicking things off with plans for two theatre trips. The first one is taking place on Thursday 23rd February when a small group of OWN Trust staff are going to see Firedance at the New Theatre. 

The group is also looking into another trip for later in the year, so keep an eye on your emails and staff room notice board for more details.

Walk Trip - Spring Term

Thank you to Sarah Granville (OWPS), Helen Chapman (WPS) and Barbara Lowey (NVPS) for offering to organise a local walk.  Sensibly, they have opted to wait until the weather is more clement, but details will hopefully be coming soon to your email and staff room about how you can sign up and come on a walk with colleagues from the OWN Trust.

Sporting Event - Summer Term

Nick File (NVPS) has kindly offered to organise this event.  In April, we will be inviting people to participate in a Ferry Meadows Park Run which takes place on Saturdays at 9am.  You can run, jog or stroll along, so there is plenty to suit all preferences.  There will also be the opportunity to stay afterwards for a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate from the café.  There will be a prize for the school who has the most participants! More details to follow after half-term.

Summer Term Gathering

Whilst we know that schools will be planning their own end of Summer Term events, we would like to organise a gathering of as many OWN Trust colleagues as we can after the May half-term holidays. We are looking at finding a local venue for drinks and food at a reasonable price, and more details will follow soon.

Staff News

OWN Trust would like to bid FAREWELL to the following staff members who have left since the last newsletter:

Nene Valley Primary School

• Janet Tate, Literacy Project Leader
• Ian Walker, Cleaner

Woodston Primary School

• Nathaly Correa Coroker, Catering Assistant and Cleaner
• Asta Marciuke, Teaching Assistant and Midday Supervisor

Orton Wistow Primary School

• Jackie Collins, Midday Supervisor

We would also like to say a warm WELCOME to the following staff members who have joined us:

Nene Valley Primary School

• Marianna Snevele, Cleaner
• Inguna Meldere, Cleaner

Woodston Primary School

• Monika Ruda, Midday Supervisor

Orton Wistow Primary School

• Heather Rose, Catering Assistant

^{Photo by Anna on Unsplash}

Each half-term, we learn more about the daily life of those who work in the OWN Trust.

This week it's the turn of Rachel Tansley, Year Six Teacher and English at Orton Wistow Primary School

Read about the current vacancies at Nene Valley, Woodston and Orton Wistow Primary Schools, and across the OWN Trust.