Away day

I just about manage to make it to the Latton Bush Centre for my ten o'clock away day to work on my Aspirations project, with Lynn, Jon, Lonica, Angela, Suzanne and Claire.

Jon and I both circulate update reports - his much more finished looking than mine! - and we discuss the issues we've come across so far and start grouping them into categories. All at once the project really starts to take shape, and it seems we've got some themes emerging, from which will develop some potential priorities for action.

We take a brief baked potato lunch, and work till about two o'clock, as people have other commitments. I end up with a pile of written-up flipchart paper to copy onto my computer - Jon has very kindly offered a section of the Harlow Education Consortium 'virtual learning environment' to store the document online so that we can all contribute to it in our own time. And we'll meet again on 1 April to review progress.

Jon tells me that 'aspiration and attainment' is now the top priority for action for the Harlow 2020 Partnership - so clearly people are recognising the importance of focusing on helping our children and young people achieve their potential, which is fantastic.