BETTER TOGETHER

There’s a lot of talk about collaboration in the construction sector. BIM has created a mandate for professionals from multiple disciplines to work more effectively together, sharing knowledge and best practice in the best interests of their shared project.

It’s been a huge cultural shift for many in the sector, perhaps because collaboration in not embedded in our work or educational experience.

Multi-academy trust (MAT), Forward As One, in Bolton is about to change all that with an innovative approach embedding collaboration into its continuous improvement ambitions. In fact, the MAT’s approach is so inspirational that Clare has become a Trustee and pledged Clare PR’s help in supporting the schools.

Forward As One carried out a skills audit of its senior team and identified PR and communication as an area where they needed to build on resources. Executive principal, Karen Bramwell then identified Clare PR through the Academy Ambassadors organisation and was immediately keen to bring the company on board.

[caption id="attachment_1941" align="alignleft" width="140"] Karen Bramwell, Executive Principal
Forward As One CE Academy Trust[/caption]

“We were looking for business acumen and PR skills,” says Karen, “and I could see as soon as I met Clare that she has the right experience and a dynamic approach.

“Our philosophy is based on collaboration, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Part of that is delivered by creating structures for teachers to work together, for children to collaborate in the classroom and developing an effective home/school partnership.  Part of it will be delivered through engagement with the commercial world and we’re delighted to have Clare and her team on board.”

Clare’s role with the school will be on a pro bono basis and will help to build on the Trust’s considerable achievements to-date.  Its first school, St Paul’s CE Primary, is an outstanding school and an accredited National Support School with a remit to help other schools improve standards.

The second school to join the MAT, Gorsefield Primary School, was failing when Forward As One took it on in 2015. The Trust is expecting a ‘Good’ ranking from the next Ofsted inspection and standards have improved so dramatically that Gorsefield students’ attainment in maths is now above the national average.

“What Forward As One has done is to identify problem areas and look at ways in which the collaborative team from across its schools can address those issues,” explains Clare. “Identifying areas where you can do things better is fundamental to continuous improvement.

“Alongside physical improvements to the school building, Forward As One has implemented innovative new teaching practices, such as the Singapore approach to Maths and Kagan’s collaborative learning structures. For me, the most inspirational element of all, however, is that they have successfully raised standards by raising aspirations and sharing skills. That really chimes with my personal and business philosophy and I’m excited to be involved.”