黑料视频

Regular blog post from the Director of Schools and Employability

Hi everyone

I hope you're reading this after a restful and well-earned Easter break. Remember, self-care isn’t just a personal need – it’s vital for those we support and work alongside. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

I’ve come to value this more over time, though I still need the occasional reminder. That’s why it matters that we encourage each other to pause, rest, and recharge.

Public sector work is both rewarding and demanding. To give our best, we must take care of ourselves first.

Out and About

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Hawthorn Primary School, where I spent time with Headteacher Sam Abraham and Deputy Head Felicity Cook. It was a joy to meet the dedicated staff and exchange smiles with so many enthusiastic pupils. During our conversations, we explored some of the key challenges facing the sector – attendance, school improvement, early years provision, and the potential for stronger school-to-school collaboration.

I also had the privilege of visiting Priestley Smith Specialist School, which supports pupils with visual impairments. This school is one of only five of its kind in the country, and the visit was nothing short of inspiring. Headteacher Jo Garvey and her team are doing an exceptional job, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have such a unique and inclusive provision here in the city.

Webinars on Attendance

There is some excellent work on attendance in the city and much to celebrate. However, we know that challenges remain in getting back to (and improving on) pre-pandemic levels of attendance.

In collaboration with the Department of Education (DfE), we will host webinars and information sessions for School and Trust leaders in June 2025, covering:

• DfE adviser relationship
• DfE support first, including core offer
• 黑料视频 team structure, with a summary of responsibilities
• How to get the most from targeted support meetings based on data
• Allocation of officers to support schools/districts
• Facilitating strong transitions
• Creating strong attendance cultures
• Using data effectively
• Team around the school

These sessions will feature best practices from high-performing schools and school-to-school support from recruited headteachers. Attendance will also be a key focus in BCC School Improvement team conversations.

Dates will be shared soon and I’ll look forward to your participation!

Don't miss out on our "Forward Together Convention" on 5 June at Aston Villa Football Club!

Choose between a morning session (09:00-12:00) or an afternoon session (13:00-16:00) for an inspiring experience. Hear from our Managing Director, Joanne Roney CBE, and Dr Sue Harrison, Executive Director of Children and Families. Engage in lively discussions during 'Question Time' and explore our services and Developing Local Provision schools. 

Some Reflections… Kindness in Leadership

This week, I found myself reflecting on kindness in leadership – prompted by the sad passing of our family dog, Alfie. Many of my team reached out individually with kind messages. They were used to hearing him snoring in the background of our meetings, and their thoughtful gestures really stayed with me.

It reminded me how powerful kindness can be – and how easy it is to underestimate it.

We often hear about kindness in leadership, but it can sometimes feel like just another buzzword – talked about more than it's practiced. Yet, true relational leadership requires kindness. Not as something soft or sentimental, but as a strength rooted in empathy, authenticity, and integrity.

Here are a few questions I’ve been pondering:

1. What does it mean to be kind as a leader?
2. How is it different from simply being kind?
3. What would be on your list?

Kindness can look different to each of us – but here are 20 ways I believe it shows up in leadership:

1. Being clear, consistent, and empathetic (did I sneak three in there!)
2. Reconnecting with our purpose as public servants
3. Showing emotional awareness and authenticity
4. Building intentional, values-led relationships
5. Taking responsibility instead of assigning blame
6. Seeking first to understand
7. Investing in others’ growth
8. Celebrating success
9. Truly listening
10. Offering constructive challenge
11. Not talking about team members – talk to them
12. Creating psychological safety
13. Giving feedback with honesty and respect
14. Leading with care and compassion
15. Avoiding “snottagrams” when frustrated
16. Skipping unnecessary cc’s – especially passive-aggressive ones
17. Prioritising self-care
18. Seeking to repairing relationships when they have broken down or being tested
19. Lifting others up and helping them feel valued
20. Inviting someone for a brew (Yorkshire Tea, of course!)

These small, everyday actions shape culture, build trust, and strengthen teams and within education, shapes lives. Kindness in leadership isn’t always easy – but always worthwhile and always a choice.

Take care and speak soon.

Steve

Steve Kay - Director of Schools and Employability