ESTYN

There is no doubt that we're all having a range of emotions right now, both positive and negative, and it's really hard to think straight at times. We go through these emotions because we care. We care about our colleagues, we care about the school and it's reputation and most of all we care about the wonderful children we teach.

Every single member of staff at this school does their job with this care and pride every single day and the next two weeks are going to be no different. This inspection has been a long time coming - eight years in fact and, despite the fact that we all know what we're doing, we're going to worry and let things get on top of us at different times because we all have busy lives and school is just one aspect of it.

So what can we all do to help the situation?

1. Be there for each other just like we always are

Talk to someone to ask how they're doing even if they look ok. Talk to someone if you're feeling the strain or if you're the one who can share positivity - everyone is there to listen and has a role to play.

2. Know that everyone has confidence in what you're doing

You can do your job with your eyes closed and always give the children a really special place to learn and thrive. Just do what you know - your best is ALWAYS good enough because we are all awesome!

3. Prioritise

If you like lists, make a list (or three) but make sure that everything on the list needs to be there. Ensure that that time-sensitive tasks are done on time and spread out other tasks throughout the week. If you have things on the list that are not essential, cross them out - you don't need them. Share your list with a colleague to see if they can help you prioritise or eliminate the non-essential or unreasonable tasks.

4. Be honest

If you're asked something by one of the Inspectors that you don't know that answer to, don't panic or make it up. Tell them that you're just not able to recall what they're looking for at the moment but you'll find out and get back to them as soon as you can. They know that we're under pressure and would appreciate your honesty rather than a load of nonsense.

5. Ask for help if you need it

Nobody is too busy to help you. Everyone would rather you asked for help than not. There may be something that can help straight away so please ask. Don't forget that you can use the link on the 'FEEDBACK' page if you'd rather not talk about it face to face.

Please believe in yourself - you've got this! We are going to show the Inspectors how lucky our children are to be part of our school and there'll obviously be things that we need to work on but that's all part of the process.

Most importantly, look after yourself.

Do what makes you happy so that you get a break from schoolwork. We cannot be our best if we do not put ourselves first. Go for that run; walk the dog; cwtch up on the sofa with something tasty; have a nap.

We've got this - now let's show them what we're made of!

xxx