Trust INSET Day January 2025

Staff from across the EQUA Mead Learning Trust came together on Monday 6^th January for a Trust-wide inset day centred on the theme, “Everyone a Leader.” The event aimed to inspire and empower educators and support staff to recognise and embrace their leadership potential in shaping the future of their schools and communities. It was wonderful to welcome over 700 leaders, teachers and support staff.

It was an important occasion for us with all trust staff from 20 schools gathering on two sites to learn new practice along with sharing existing strengths.

The day was headlined by a keynote address from Andy Buck, a nationally renowned speaker and author in the field of education leadership. Andy, a former headteacher and founder of Leadership Matters, shared his wealth of experience and insights into how leadership can thrive at every level. His engaging talk challenged us to rethink traditional notions of leadership and inspired us to embrace the influence we each have in our roles, no matter where we sit within the organisation. The day also included input from Paul Skipp (CEO), Lyssy Bolton (DCEO), Wiltshire Local Authority, SEND/inclusion, health and nursery specialists along with school improvement colleagues from the trust central team.

Workshops formed a central part of the day, offering staff the opportunity to dive deeper into practical aspects of leadership. It was heartening to see such high levels of participation and the sharing of ideas, reinforcing the principle that leadership is about action and influence rather than just titles. While teaching staff focused on leadership themes, support staff attended specialised training sessions tailored to their roles. These sessions covered a range of professional development areas, ensuring all members of the Trust had access to valuable learning opportunities.

The day reinforced the Trust’s commitment to cultivating leadership at every level, emphasising that leadership is an everyday practice that transcends traditional hierarchies. By fostering a culture where everyone feels empowered to lead, the EQUA Mead Learning Trust aims to create environments where innovation and collaboration thrive.

This successful inset day marks a strong start to the term, setting a tone of shared leadership and continuous professional development across the Trust.