To headteachers of Northern Area schools

Dear Colleagues

I have much appreciated the warm welcome I have received on my visits to schools during this term. Having spent the last eight years focused on bidding for capital funding, managing an ever increasing capital programme and leading the strategic development of the LEA's Asset Management Plan, I am finding it reinvigorating to work more closely with heads and governors on the wider aspects of school improvement.

As some of you will know, prior to my senior officer role in Premises, I was the education officer for western area primary schools and had been the education officer for special needs. I have also served as a parent governor at both primary and secondary schools. Therefore I believe I have an appreciation of the range of pressures facing heads and governors, as well as the experience and knowledge to provide effective support, not least in how to link with colleagues within the LEA and other services.

Unfortunately diary pressures, inherited and ongoing commitments and the shortness of the term have meant that I have not been able to visit as many of you as I would have wished. I intend to rectify that over the next two terms. I am also keen to attend as many cluster meetings as possible, and certainly one per cluster per year.

I would be very grateful if those of you who are the chairmen or organisers of the cluster groups could let Robert have the dates for the rest of the year so that we can plan the diary.

I know that at the moment you are involved with your Finance Officer in planning next year's school budget and I am aware that because of the uncertainty regarding Standards Fund allocations, the majority of budgets are under pressure. I am already working with some headteachers on budget options and liasing with colleagues both in Education Finance and Personnel to find solutions to difficulties. If, following your finance meetings, it becomes clear that your budget is under pressure or you would like to discuss future budget planning and pupil numbers, please let me know and I would be very willing to provide help and advice, in partnership with your RDA.

From my discussions with Tim and my visits to date I know that there is a great deal of good teaching and learning taking place in northern area schools and that the relationship between the schools and the LEA is a positive one. I am looking forward to working with you in sustaining the improvements which have been made and supporting you in those areas which continue to cause difficulties, such as staffing and the increasing demands on schools, particularly from central government, and of course, the unforeseen.

With best wishes for the Easter break,

Yours sincerely,

Chris Wilson-Town

School Improvement Support Officer