Hi Everyone,

I hope you had a brilliant Easter break and are rested and recharged for the busy term ahead.

Many of us will be returning to school and work feeling grateful for the time spent with our families and loved ones and maybe wishing we could have had just a few more days. However, we need to be mindful that it’s not the case for all our children and in fact time away from school for them is something that brings with it anxiety, sadness and fear. We can never overlook the fact that for some children school is their safe space and we are the constant loving factor in their lives. The loss of that and of routine and structure can have an upsetting effect on many children and so its up to us to support them in settling back to school life as smoothly as possible. Fortunately, we know our children and families well and we can ensure these children receive the support and encouragement they need but it’s our collective responsibility to make sure that support happens.

Also, for some of our children school is the “best” place they visit. It’s clean, warm, and full of exciting books, toys, and other resources. Unlike some of their homes it’s full of people who prioritise their well-being, ensure they’ve been fed and show a genuine interest in them, their ideas and spending time in their company. We need to make sure we never ignore the fact that our school buildings are a sanctuary to many of our children and to that end we must ensure they are well cared for by us all. They should be inviting, well-ordered and loved so that they can remain a place that children (and adults) want to spend time in. So please do me a small favour have a look around where you spend your days….. does it send the message to our children that this is a place where things and people are loved and cared for. If not let’s pick up those old coffee cups, clear that messy desk, tidy that cupboard, throw away those damaged resources and make sure every Infinity school is the sanctuary that all our children (and colleagues) deserve to spend time in.

Have a great start to the term.

Best Wishes

Gavin