"Here’s to the crazy ones… the misfits, the rebels, the trouble makers… the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently. They are not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing that you can’t do is ignore them, because they change things. They push the human race forward and while some may see them as the crazy ones we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do!”

‘Think Different’ Apple advert

I started the day with some of our most talented and effective headteachers...

I was supposed to be having breakfast with the Chairs from the Families of Schools but the busy lives these people lead meant that only a small select group managed to get there. Still as they say small is beautiful... and who wouldn't want to start the day with Linda Bowles, Lesley Dolben, Sue Mudie, Liz Snelling and Alan Toothill.

Our discussions ranged far and wide... we talked about extended services, Children's Centres, early years, Looked After Children, workforce reform, contextual value-added, clusters, Trusts, standards, health and well being and the day job! It is obvious to me that these people are the guardians of the basic building blocks we need for the future delivery of Children's Services here in Leeds... whatever we call it: the universal offer, the entitlment... the promises we make to children and families and communities will be secured through our brilliant primary schools supported by an advanced and more targeted offer for those groups who need additional help and support.

We need to continue to talk and more importantly listen to these amazing colleagues on the front line.
Chris