No Running in the Corridors - No playing conkers

Schools have been policing pupils’ hairstyles forever, but are strict hair policies really about maintaining standards, or simply about control? Hair is deeply personal. It’s bound up with culture, identity and genetics. So why do schools care so much about it? In this episode, MAT CEO Anthony Benedict and headteacher Hannah Carter join Helen Mulley to explore what hairstyle policies reveal about power, control and individual expression.

Governance training that goes beyond a basic induction. This half-day session will give you a clear overview of school governance, whilst deepening your understanding of what healthy school governance looks like. School governance is an essential layer within our education sector and single school governors and school group trustees make up the largest group of volunteers in the UK (excepting Scotland). This masterclass will equip those taking on the role to contribute from the start, to gain confidence in the work they will be doing, and to deepen their understanding of how governance underpins the success of the institutions they support. There will be content on the varying accountability mechanisms within the sector, such as Ofsted, and guidance on how to work strategically to ensure the long term success of schools. School governance is collegiate and therefore the session will also be highly suitable for school leaders and governance leads. Governance does not happen in isolation and aspiring and experienced leaders, governance clerks, trustees and system leaders will benefit hugely from the content which will explore effective schemes of delegation, the art of productive meetings, pitfalls to avoid and examples of good practice. By the end of this masterclass you will be able to: Understand where governance sits within the education sector Consider what healthy governance activity looks like within school Learn how governance can make a positive difference and how it can go wrong Explore the strategic nature of school governance Reflect on the collegiate nature of school governance and the interplay between leaders and governors FACILITATOR Rebecca Leek has been a teacher, Senco, Headteacher and CEO. She is currently the Executive Director of the Suffolk Primary Headteachers’ Association, undertakes external governance review work and works extensively across the governance sector as a writer, mentor, trainer and speaker. She is the author of the book, The School-Ready Governor, is a trustee for a charity, and is a member for a multi-academy trust.

This free-to-attend event is Kent’s largest exhibition and conference for the county’s Head Teachers, Finance Directors, Bursars, Business Managers, Governors, Local Authority education leaders, PTA’s, IT Managers and school leadership teams from the state, academy and private sectors. Delegates benefit from a unique opportunity to meet key suppliers in the market and attend a wide range of free conference sessions – hearing directly from senior figures who set education policy and strategic direction across the national and local education agenda. High-quality content provides practical advice on how to achieve outstanding results through strong leadership, excellent teaching and effective management systems.

MATPN Finance brings together CFOs, COOs, CEOs and senior finance leaders from across the MAT sector for a focused day of discussion, learning and practical insight. Against a backdrop of funding pressures, rising costs and increasing financial scrutiny, the forum explores the strategies trusts are using to build resilience, drive efficiency and support sustainable growth. Through peer-led case studies, expert perspectives and valuable networking opportunities, delegates will leave with ideas they can take back and apply within their own organisations.