Rise MAT hosts another successful inset day for support staff – Winter Wonderland ‘24
On Monday, January 8th, 2024, Rise Multi-Academy Trust kicked off the new year with a bang by hosting RiseFest 24’ - Winter Wonderland—an engaging inset day exclusively designed for support staff. The event, held at One Church Leicester, brought together 190 dedicated staff from the existing schools and welcomed colleagues from new schools joining the Rise family.
The morning session included an insightful presentation by Dr. Adam Brett, a lecturer in education for Derby University. Dr. Brett shared his expertise in fostering inclusivity in the classroom. His talk delved into practical strategies and innovative approaches, inspiring support staff to create nurturing and inclusive learning environments for all pupils.
Leaders and teachers from various subjects within Rise also gave talks and workshops throughout the afternoon.
The theme followed that from the success of the summer event, with various ‘headliners’ performing across various stages throughout the day. At lunch the team from “The Roasting Pig” served a delicious hog roast, staff also had the opportunity to visit the stylish coffee shop, “Way Coffee” situated inside the venue. A wide range of hot drinks, cakes, treats and more, were available to purchase, with profits supporting a school in Nairobi, Kenya as well as other projects in the local slums. The One Church was the perfect venue with a variety of space allowing so many workshops to run side by side, complimented by the decor, which lent a winter touch with fairy lights and trees playing into the winter wonderland theme.
As the day concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of motivation and a toolkit of practical strategies to implement in their respective roles.
Feedback from participants included:
“Greater understanding of children's understanding”
“Dr Adam’s session on diversity, equity and inclusion was very beneficial”
“Taking time out to listen and hear other people's experiences and sharing ideas.”
“Team bonding with the other LSAs in our school. Listening to speakers express how important our roles are within the rise. I thought the language workshop clearly stated how important it is to be positive within school and give the children the best chance possible to be able to flourish in our care”
“I thought the day was really good; the clear booking service for the courses, the reminders and updates were clear, the venue was excellent including sound and a variety of speakers. The drinks and snacks and lunch were greatly appreciated and enjoyed. Thank you to all the team who worked so hard to put the day together. I look forward to the next one.”
Mark Cole, CEO commented “delighted to be able to bring the majority of our support staff together for the day. As a trust staff CPD is given the highest priority. Feedback from the day has been positive and we have already started planning for next year!”
In summary, RiseFest Winter Wonderland was not just an ordinary inset day; it was a celebration of collaboration, learning, and inclusivity. Dr. Adam Brett's keynote on inclusivity in the classroom set the tone for a day that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. As the Rise Multi-Academy Trust continues to grow, events like these become part of the way the trust hopes to bring together the wider community.