North Star Academy Trust, Notes from the CST Annual Conference November 2024
Our Trust CEO and our Safeguarding and Communication Lead were delighted to be able to attend the Confederation of Schools Trust (CST) Annual Conference.
After a warm welcome from CST lead Leora Cruddas CBE and Sir Hamid Patel CBE we were delighted to listen to some overarching direction from Rt Hon. Bridget Philipson MP.
For many years, and with our expertise in dealing with SEMH/SEN, we have been only too aware of the growing gap in outcomes for those students who feel they belong, and those who don’t.
The historic rhetoric of ‘do not exclude’ is a skin-deep assessment of a system that is buckling under many pressures. This simplistic approach lacks the levers to support actual change, or dare we suggest it, political reform…
As a Trust we have always advocated for early intervention and “belonging”, so we are delighted to hear that our new government also see this as a key focus. This is reflected locally within the Local Authorities in which we work; all LA’s realise this necessity and are keen to work with us and utilise our expertise in identifying and supporting SEMH needs.
On the ground, our Trust is continuing to try to develop links with local universities and their PGCE leaders; we continue to work with national bodies to develop apprenticeship options for dedicated staff to build their skills and understanding. This is alongside the work that our Early Intervention Team do, and the additional provision of our newly opened Alternative Learning Provision.
The Secretary of State was clear on the need to raise standards in all schools for all students. It was refreshing to hear that alongside academic achievement, wellbeing and belonging are finally being seen to be of equal importance. For too long education partners have known that poverty and circumstance can negatively impact outcomes and opportunity. Teachers and school staff have never ignored this, we meet that need. The Secretary was able to acknowledge that education staff meet this need and that there is a place for pupil wellbeing in an already congested curriculum.
As a Trust we hope to receive more than just an acknowledgement for the role we play. A thank you from stakeholders and political leaders is wonderful to receive, but more pressing is the need to be given agency to advocate for our children.
This was strongly backed by the next speaker, Lord Victor Adebowale CBE, who says ‘the only inoculation against ignorance is EDUCATION.’ The message was clear: without schools delivering appropriate education our society will not progress. Perhaps we can hope for real change to shift our congested curriculum so that it meets actual need. Perhaps we will see change that encourages students to belong in education, attend education and thrive in education.
Our new government has not been in power for long but their ethos aligns with ours and we truly hope they implement real change.
We were treated after lunch to a reflective conversation with Sir Mo Farah CBE and Alison Oliver MBE, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust. Sir Mo spoke passionately about how a supportive school system and the relationships within that school were able to save him. Sir Mo explained that he was not just saved but that his education allowed him to truly thrive and finally feel a sense of belonging. With this support and backing, Sir Mo’s achievements are well documented.
Sir Mo Farah CBE and Alison Oliver MBE, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust in conversation at the CST Annual Conference in Nov 2024
Listening to Alison and Sir Mo drove home the unique position school staff are in with regards to helping young people achieve their best. No other agency will have such access to young people, or be able to spend as much time with them. All attendees left feeling inspired to make their moments with young people more targeted, to create a sense of belonging and build a truly supportive community in their school where young people can thrive.
