Summer Term Headteacher Meetings

I am writing to invite you to one of 5 local area Headteacher meetings that we are arranging for the summer term. These will be the first major opportunity for me to meet with you in your area groups and I am looking forward to it.

Although I was unable to attend the Headteacher meetings last term, I have received the feedback and was then able to discuss some proposals with Cluster Chairs when we met in March and with SNAPP, NASH and NASSH reps at the Executive Group meeting held on 21 March. The overwhelming view I have heard is that for the summer term we should trial Headteacher meetings in the 5 new Children's Services areas and hold the meetings during the school day.

I know this means that notice is relatively short but I do hope that you will make every effort to join me at your area meeting. I plan to set out some of the thinking that has brought us to where we are and to share my hopes for the future. I will be bringing some proposals for new service structures to discuss with you, as it is important that your ideas and views help to shape the final arrangements.

We are planning some residential working conferences for the autumn as a replacement for the day conference that has been held in previous years. I would like to discuss this proposal when we meet in the summer. Dates being considered are 6/7 October, 13/14 October, 10/11 November and 24/25 November. Although dates have yet to be finalised, it is probable that 2 or 3 of these 4 sets of dates will be used and you might find it helpful to pencil the dates in now to ensure that you can attend one of the conferences.

The dates for the Headteacher meetings this term are:

West - Friday 29 April at The Ecotech Centre, Turbine Way, Swaffham

North - Friday 6 May at The Links Country Park Hotel, West Runton, Cromer

East - Wednesday 25 May at The Great Yarmouth Race Course, Great Yarmouth

Central - Monday 6 June at The Wensum Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club, Beech Avenue, Taverham

South - Wednesday 8 June at The Gissing Hall Hotel, off A140, Diss

Each conference would begin at 9.30am with refreshments from 9am. Lunch will be arranged for approximately 12.30pm and in the afternoon there will be area NASH and SNAPP meetings.

Please could you confirm with Melanie Waite on 01603 223397 or by email at melanie.waite@norfolk.gov.uk that you will be attending your area meeting. If you are unsure about the new areas there is a map at http://www.esinet.norfolk.gov.uk/core/maps. Clearly it would be best if you were able to attend the meeting relevant to your area. If this is a problem please consider sending your deputy or attending a meeting in one of the other areas.

I look forward to meeting you.