This time of year tends to be a time of reflection. As educators reflection is always an important part of our daily practice. Perhaps as we get to the year end reflection becomes more of a focus.
On Monday I attended DMT at Kilmory and the meeting involved time with the trade unions and useful reflection took place around the implementation of Service Choices particularly around support staff. This was a difficult time for all staff involved and I am thankful to all involved in how we have managed to meet this saving. Later on Monday I joined the tracking and monitoring group and we reviewed our approach to tracking and the need to greater consistency to improve our collation of data.
On Tuesday I met with the Early Years Team and reflected on the huge amount of work that has taken place in 2016 in moving to 600 hours and preparing for 1140 hours. Bookbug continues to be a real positive in providing early literacy outcomes.
I also attended SMT on Tuesday afternoon and reviewed various papers going through to Committees.
On Wednesday I had an opportunity to take in professional development with 4 other Head of Service colleagues through an Action Learning Set. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on practice and review with others actions taken. I then travelled back to Inveraray to join the last part of the ASN Review Group. The group had a very busy morning working on plans for ASN for 2017/18 and how to meet the requirements to be made to meet Services Choices in this area.
On Thursday I had some individual meetings with Head Teaches and Policy Lead. I then had a working session with the Education Management Team. Our Children, Their Future was a big part of the work undertaken and planning for implementation for 2017/18.
I completed the day with a coaching service and have from this valuable opportunity identified the book Thrive by Arianna Huffington as part of my Santa list.
On Friday I was representing Ann Marie Knowles at SMT planning day. Planning was for the future and reflected recent development in relation to National Policy changes and new legislation.
Next week will see the final fling before Christmas and my final blog for 2016. It is the season of nativities and concerts – I would love some photos from schools for my final blog of the year which I will endeavour to put up on Friday 23rd December.
