It has been a little while since I last wrote a blog for the website, and as we move through the spring term it feels like a good moment to pause and reflect on everything that is happening across our school community.
One of the great privileges of being headteacher at Staverton is seeing the school not just as a place of learning, but as a living, breathing community. Every day I see children growing in confidence, curiosity and character. Whether it is in the classroom, on the playground, performing on stage, or simply helping a friend, there are constant reminders that education is about much more than tests and results. It is about people.
Over the past few months we have continued to see many strengths across the school. Our reading culture remains a real highlight. Children talk enthusiastically about the books they are reading, staff share stories with genuine passion, and classrooms are full of discussion and imagination. It is wonderful to see reading becoming such a natural part of daily life here.
Playtimes have also continued to flourish through our OPAL approach. Visitors often comment on the creativity and energy they see outside. Loose parts, imaginative play and collaborative games are giving children opportunities to develop resilience, teamwork and problem solving in ways that traditional playgrounds rarely allow. It is noisy, busy and joyful – exactly what childhood should be.
Behind the scenes we have also been thinking carefully about how we continue to strengthen leadership within the school. A key priority for me this year has been making sure we have the right people in the right roles, supporting one another and sharing responsibility for the direction of the school. I have been having regular one-to-one conversations with staff about their strengths, aspirations and areas of development. These conversations have been incredibly positive and are helping us shape a leadership structure that will support the school for many years to come.
Another exciting development is the next stage of our early years provision. Many families will already know the wonderful work that Nestlings Pre-School has been doing within our community for many years. We are now working closely with the team and the local authority on plans to bring Nestlings onto the Staverton site as a school-based nursery. This is a really exciting opportunity to strengthen our early years offer and provide a seamless start to children’s education within our school community.
Beyond Staverton, I continue to work with colleagues across Wiltshire through various networks and partnerships. These collaborations allow us to share ideas, learn from one another and make sure that our children benefit from the very best practice available. At the same time, I remain very conscious that Staverton must always remain at the heart of my work. Being present in school, talking with children and families, and seeing the everyday life of the school is the most important part of my role.
Looking ahead, we have a busy and exciting few months in front of us. There are trips, events, performances and celebrations on the horizon, as well as the continued hard work that takes place in classrooms every single day.
Thank you, as always, for the support you give to the school. Staverton is a special place because of the people within it – our children, staff, families and wider community.
I look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.
Ed Powe
Headteacher
