It has been hectic week spent with great people visiting great places but set as always here in Leeds against a background of noise and criticism as we continue to do some of the really hard things to achieve the only thing that really matters: delivering great outcomes for our children and young people...

We had visitors from Sollentuna in Sweden, from Land Securities Trillium and from RM who all talked about the brilliant things we are doing here in Leeds... building truly world class provision.

I visited some brilliant learning places:
- the David Young Community Academy with the Education Leeds Board;
- the new Rodillian School with Cllr Harker;
- Colton Primary School with Cllr Harker to see the npower Climate Cops;
- Great Preston CE Primary School to attend the official opening of their new building;
- Thorner CE Primary School to open their new library.

We also had individual success with talented, brilliant, gorgeous and wonderful Nicola Davies from Garforth Green Lane Primary School being made MFL Teacher of the Year.

The more time I spend here in Leeds the more I realise the potential we have to build brilliant and in a way the last week captured so much of that collective and individual magic. Colleagues like Ros McMullen, Andy Goulty, Alison Wrigglesworth, Nicola Davies, Heather Scott and many, many, many more who are transforming learning in Leeds and delivering outstanding provision across the city.

Despite the noise and the criticism we must press on with our mission to build a learning landscape where every child and every young person is happy, healthy, safe and successful... whatever it takes.
Chris