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School leadership - “We don’t waste a moment once we have an idea”

November 21, 2022, 11:48 GMT+1
Read in about 5 minutes
  • CEO Emma Wigmore and School Improvement Lead Becky Fairhead reveal what makes their professional relationship work at the Vine Schools Trust
School leadership - “We don’t waste a moment once we have an idea”

EMMA WIGMORE

How would you describe your professional relationship with Becky in three words – and why?

Motivating, focused and fast-paced. Becky is always focused on making a difference to children, which makes her inspirational to work with. She is so dedicated to having a positive impact on children’s learning that there is never a wasted moment – once we come up with an idea, Becky is off like a rocket! She motivates the people around her and can energise any team.

What makes Becky an effective School Improvement Lead in your MAT?

Pupils are at the heart of everything Becky does. She is an outstanding practitioner, and she never forgets how important good teaching and learning is. Becky has worked alongside me in many roles before joining the school improvement team and I knew she would be the perfect fit for the role. She has been on a journey and I’ve seen the difference she has made to the teams around her, as well as the quality of provision. Becky is genuine and authentic. She leads teams well because she has been in their shoes, and knows what works and how to provide excellence for the children.

What’s the most important initiative you’ve undertaken together in your MAT?

To build an effective school improvement structure to meet the ever-changing needs of every school - identifying vulnerable children and sharing good practice.

What was the last thing on which you disagreed?

Becky and I are both focused on one thing – the children. It means that when we disagree, we listen respectfully to each other’s opinion and debate the issue. I’ll often go to Becky with a problem and we talk it out until we find a solution.

What one change would you make to the education system?

To increase Government funding! Our schools struggle to balance their budgets and have been forced to make cuts. This means reducing staff, support for pupils and activities beyond the curriculum to name a few.

BECKY FAIRHEAD

How would you describe your professional relationship with Emma in three words – and why?

Supportive, effective and honest.  We started working together when Emma became my headteacher and I was starting my third year of teaching. Since then, we have worked to improve a number of schools and Emma helped me develop my own career and to progress. She listens to my views and lets me share my ideas and expertise.

What makes Emma an effective CEO?

Any decision Emma makes is focused on what the impact will be on the children. Therefore, the best decision is always whatever will have the best possible outcome for pupils. Emma is happy to take advise, share ideas and is outward facing. We are able to have discussions about school improvements, both formally and informally. She always makes time for you and it is never a problem if you need to contact her.

Emma is also very good at identifying people’s strengths and building them up. I think this is what has ensured such an improvement for our Trust and to the individuals who work within it.

What’s the most important initiative you’ve undertaken together in your MAT?

Creating the School Improvement team! From this, we have been able to create the Vine Core Curriculum, and planned SLE support - including CPD for all schools.

What was the last thing on which you disagreed?

I don’t think Emma and I ever disagree! Sometimes we have slightly different opinions, but we have a strong relationship and I feel comfortable to share my views. This allows us to come to an agreement if we ever have different views.

What one change would you make to the education system?

That’s a big one! I think teaching is tough and we need to ensure that children receive the best education. For me, it is about reducing paperwork and focusing on the teaching.

Emma Wigmore is CEO and Becky Fairhead is School Improvement Lead at the Vine Schools Trust, Chelmsford @VineSchools