CEO Thought for the Week

Hi All,

I hope you’re having a good week.

I was privileged to be invited to visit St Nicholas CE Academy earlier this week whilst they were hosting a group of colleagues from across the county (and beyond) who are working towards the NPQ SENCO qualification. The visit was coordinated by LEARN SEND Hub, and it was great to meet so many people passionate about supporting children with SEND and eager to learn about the inclusive practices at St Nics. I also had the chance last week to spend some time at Spilsby Primary Academy when they hosted a morning for grandparents. Over 130 grandparents attended the event where they had the chance to sit with their grandchildren, engage in activities, play, and enjoy a cup of tea (and a biscuit)! What do these events have in common? Well, not much on the surface – one is a professional learning experience, and the other is a community event. But what they both did in their own way was create, share, and celebrate something which is now a buzz word (but has been important to many of us for a long time), which is a sense of BELONGING!

Now ignore the fact the Government and DFE have just jumped on the “belonging” bandwagon. Across our schools for years, we have been bringing people together, creating a sense of community and offering a safe space to flourish. At Infinity, belonging isn’t just a word—it’s a feeling. It’s knowing that you’re valued, respected, and part of something bigger, no matter who you are. It’s what allows our pupils to take risks in their learning and what gives us, as colleagues, the confidence to bring our full selves to work each day. It’s what makes families comfortable in reaching out for support and to share their vulnerabilities.

It is so important that we keep strengthening that sense of belonging—because when people (big and small) feel they belong, they thrive.

Let’s continue to focus on the small, meaningful actions that build connection:

• Learn one more story: about a child, a family, or a colleague.
• Notice and name the good: recognise effort and kindness whenever you see it.
• Make space for every voice: ensure everyone has a seat at the table and feels heard.
• Remove barriers: if something prevents inclusion, let’s fix it.
• Hold high expectations with care: belonging doesn’t mean lowering standards—it means helping everyone rise to meet them.

Thank you for creating environments where every child, parent, and staff member can say, “I belong here” and I really appreciate the daily, quiet actions you do that help children—and colleagues—and families feel, “This is my place."

“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” – Brené Brown

Have a great end to the week.

Best Wishes

Gavin