Crofty Newsletter March 2022
Simon Hague
Dear colleagues,
Reading through this term’s newsletter fills me with joy. The stories that colleagues have chosen to share are inspirational in that they are all about Learning. What I see is that, despite almost two years of incredibly challenging circumstances, colleagues have seized the first opportunity to ensure the curriculum is as fun and engaging as it needs to be. It’s what our children deserve, and I thank you for your limitless commitment. Additionally, our team of administrators have been working ever more closely, meeting on the Crofty training day. As we all know the work of admin is crucial in keeping Crofty running smoothly, freeing up teaching based staff to focus on the Learning. Finally I’d like to highlight the changes we will be introducing to our employee benefits, which are detailed later in the newsletter. We will be doing a full launch in due course so please look out for the invitations.
Best wishes, Simon
A message from the Crofty Members
Our thanks once again to all staff for their dedication during difficult times for ensuring that all our young people and families have the best challenge, care and progression.
The global issues will now be causing concern for families with Ukraine connections and for many others who are worried. Once again you will all be stepping up to provide the necessary support in many ways.
Welcome to Matthew Warren the new head at Illogan who we know will have the full support of his Headteacher colleagues, the board and all the members.
Have a relaxing and cracking time at Easter. A time to relax and have eggciting time in eggzotic locations.
Best wishes
Ian Bruce
(On behalf of the Crofty Members)
School news roundup
Please visit: https://croftymat.org/category/news/
Shared services team news roundup
IT across Crofty
The move of schools to the Microsoft cloud has successfully continued this term. Illogan’s move has now been completed. Portreath and Lanner will be completed by Easter.
After a thorough tender process the new printers have been installed at the Crofty head office, Pennoweth, Rosemellin, Roskear and Weeth schools.
All the schools’ printers are now in two contracts ensuring best value for money and access to the latest printing technology.
135 Chromebooks and iPads provided by the Dfe have been configured and installed across our schools to improve pupil access to devices.
Finance
The Cycle to Work scheme is designed to help you save money on a new work bike and spread the cost of the bike over monthly tax-free instalments through your employer. Now most schemes also offer you the chance to purchase an electric bike (e-bike) if you’re looking for something to give you an extra boost on your commute. If you are interested in the cycle to work scheme, contact us on 01209311135 option 2.
The following benefits are also available:
A subsidised membership at Carn Brea Leisure centre – When registering please quote Crofty for the discount.
Free eye tests from Specsavers.
We will also soon be introducing:
A salary sacrifice electric car leasing scheme
High street discounts including 4% off supermarket shopping
Any problems once again please contact us.
You can also contact us at finance@croftymat.org
Estates and compliance team
Excited pupils from Lanner and Rosemellin schools spent a sunny morning with Cornovia tree services planting trees.
These were to replace the ones that have had to be removed from both sites recently as they had become unsafe. There were a wide range of trees planted include a variety of fruit trees.
Storm Damage
Storm Eunice left a widespread trail of destruction across most of the schools in the trust. Almost 15 thousand pounds of damage was caused to roofs, trees, fencing, and bike shelters.
All the schools were able to open as normal as most of the repairs were completed during half term.
Decarbonisation
The trust has recently been successful in securing £400,000 of funding through the public sector decarbonisation scheme, which provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heating projects and energy efficiency measures. This is a great achievement and very timely in light of the large increases in power costs.
Weeth, Lanner and Portreath will all benefit from new air source heat pumps, solar panels, and lighting upgrades.
The Learning Institute
The Learning Institute provides opportunities for individuals and communities through high quality education, training and research programmes that challenge personal barriers and promote social inclusion.
