This year has been a busy one in school. Trustees have monitored and evaluated a range of elements of school life, from developments in the delivery of the Maths and English curriculums to the school’s sustainability and safeguarding practices. We have observed some very special events take place throughout the year which have shown us just how fantastic our children are. For example the hugely successful science fair, where we saw lots of children exhibiting their enthusiasm and scientific talents, and the summer colour run, where we witnessed children and families having so much fun whilst supporting the school and PTFA.

Despite the tragic loss of our lovely Jade Gilbert at the start of the school year, we were able to celebrate and honour her spirit through Gilbert’s Globetrotters. We were blown away by how the whole school community - children, parents, staff, families, and many members of the wider community - came together for this amazing event.  We were thrilled to see how the money raised has already been used to install the outdoor gym equipment the school wanted for Jade’s Gym, a legacy that reflects the dynamic nature of the lady herself.  We have never been more moved or proud of our school and community spirit than during this event.

These events, among others, have reinforced that new, key value of the school: community. We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the development of the new strategic vision for Battling Brook, which sets out our school’s values and what we want  Battling Brook to be three years from now. As a Board of Trustees we are so excited to observe and monitor how the school progresses towards that vision, embodying the values of equality, active learning, community, and health and happiness, over the next three years.

Over the last year, the Board of Trustees has had some exciting new additions.  Shaun Rhodes was elected as a parent governor, bringing many talents and a different skill set from his role in the Police.   Another addition to the board has been Emily Makosch, who has previous experience within the Governance service and is very knowledgeable about the policies and statutory obligations of schools.   Our latest new addition is Judith Cooper, who has previously worked in Battling Brook providing a satellite service to help improve the students’ reading outcomes.  We would like to welcome them all and thank them for giving their time to the Board and the school.

Whilst we have both had a wonderful time with the Trustee team, our four years of service have come to an end.  Therefore we will both be stepping down from the Board of Trustees at the end of this academic year.  We have loved working with the Trustees, staff, children and parents of this thriving school through such an exciting time of the school’s development. We leave an experienced and dedicated team of Trustees who are enthusiastic and talented to continue overseeing the school leadership and pursuing that future vision of an inclusive and supportive school full of curious and independent learners. They will be in contact with you in the new academic year with news of the new Chair(s) of Trustees. 

Meanwhile, we wish the whole of the wonderful Battling Brook community a well-deserved summer break. Thank you all for your support.