'If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together'

I had the opportunity to attend the Edinburgh Learning Festival this morning at Hibs football stadium. This is an annual event that serves to celebrate the fantastic work that takes place across all of Edinburgh Council's schools.

The morning began with a warm welcome from Gillian Tee our director. Gillian set the tone for a positive and uplifting morning by sharing with us the very encouraging feedback from the soon to be published report on our Children and Families work in Edinburgh. I was delighted to hear that Edinburgh has made enormous progress in supporting our most vulnerable young people.

I was reminded of a quote from the late Princess Diana who focussed may peoples' thinking on those who are disadvantaged. 

'Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life - a kind of destiny. Whoever is in distress can call on me. I will come running wherever they are'. (Princess Diana)

The main speaker of the day was Steve Munby, recently elected as CEO of CfBT Education Trust.

CfBT Inspection Services - delivering high quality inspections on behalf of Ofsted

CfBT Inspection Services - delivering high quality inspections on behalf of Ofsted

CfBT Inspection Services - delivering high quality inspections on behalf of Ofsted

CfBT Inspection Services - delivering high quality inspections on behalf of Ofsted

Steve's speech was outstanding!  There  were many highlights in what he said but the following quotations stood out for me.

'Everyone likes to be understood and valued; no one has a simple and uncomplicated life'.

'In schools that are making progress there is an emphasis on consistency and shared best practices'.

'Power without love is reckless and abusive and love without power is sentimental and anaemic'

In his presentation he considered what the characteristics of successful leaders are and what schools should do to improve.

His presentation concluded with him sharing this poen by Willam Ayton.

And in the end we follow them-
not because we are paid, not because we might see some advantage,
not because of the things they have accomplished,
not even because of the dreams they dream
but simply because of who they are:
the man, the woman, the leader, the boss
standing up there when the wave hits the rock,
passing out faith and confidence like life jackets,
knowing the currents, holding the doubts,
imagining the delights and terrors of every landfall;
captain, pirate, and parent by turns,
the bearer of our countless hopes and expectations.
We give them our trust. We give them our effort.
What we ask in return is that they stay true.