Community First Academy Trust

Dear all,

July 2024 Message from Ruth Rule Mullen Chair of Trustees

I hope that this letter finds you and your family well as we draw towards the end of another successful academic year.

I serve as the chair of trustees for Community First Academy Trust and oversee the governance of the trust. It is the role of trustees within a Multi Academy Trust to ensure schools and institutes within a trust fulfil their duties to educate children in a safe, and effective environment and to set a vision that promotes equality and diversity and the very best learning experiences for our pupils a role all our Governance colleagues take very seriously.

In support of this work, the Trust and Board of Trustees recognise the importance of strong Local Governing Bodies. I wish to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated Local Academy Board for the leadership they continue to provide, particularly for their support to school leaders this year and regular visits to schools.

Myself and the Board of Trustees wanted to wite to acknowledge the hard work of all staff during the recent school Ofsted inspection. Your dedication and efforts have been exceptional, and you should all be proud of your achievements.

I would also like to congratulate our Apprentice and Graduate Teachers who graduate this evening at Alberts of Standish (18th July). The Board very much look forward to supporting leaders with the growth of the Kingsbridge ITE partnership next year, establishing new partnerships and hubs as part of the national DfE re-accreditation programme and teacher recruitment and retention needs.

We know each new academic year is exciting as we commence a new term/year and welcome new children to our nursery and reception classes, as well as other year groups mid-year. We also recognise that with each new academic year comes new challenges. Next year in December, we will experience a significant change as Sue moves onto a new role after leading the school since its opening in 2006, and in fact even before that, as she managed the Community First design and build. While change can sometimes be difficult, please know that we are here to support you every step of the way. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continuing the legacy of excellence that Sue has helped to build at Platt Bridge for its children, staff and community.

I also want to convey my gratitude and appreciation to the entire workforce and school community for their ongoing support and confidence in our school, along with a big thank you to each of our amazing pupils for helping to make our Trust and School a very happy and exciting place to be. I thoroughly enjoyed some time in school myself recently, spending two entire days there and meeting so many amazing, talented young pupils.

As with previous years, I offer on behalf of the Board my best wishes to our Year 6 pupils as they move on to their secondary schools and new adventures this coming September. Best of luck in the next stages of your education.

In conclusion to this year’s end of term note, and as we look ahead to the summer holidays and a new academic year, I would like to end by once again thank all staff for supporting the children at our school and our community and saying enjoy your well-deserved break.

Please enjoy a safe and well-deserved summer break.

Best wishes, Ruth