Building Belonging in Schools

Welcome to Education Roundtables, where our mission is to foster a strong sense of belonging in primary schools through the power of leadership and community. As a dedicated supporter of headteachers, we provide a robust network that shares best practices, resources, and mutual support. Our initiatives focus on creating inclusive environments where every student and staff member feels valued and connected. Additionally, we offer expert speaking engagements and personalised coaching services to empower educational leaders.

Join us in building a brighter, more inclusive future for our schools.

Transform your school's culture

A School Leader’s Guide to Belonging explores the pillars of connection within school communities, it offers practical strategies to foster inclusivity, trust and collaboration. From understanding the power of communication to building networks and recognising the significance of shared experiences, this book guides school leaders in creating environments where everyone – students, parents and staff – feels valued and connected.

Drawing on research, real-world examples and reflective questions, this in an invaluable resource for cultivating a thriving and supportive school culture.

If you want more than one copy, it is cheaper to order direct from us. It is a little slower, as we may need to order stock in. Contact us for a quote.

Our Story

Our journey began with a passion for education and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those at the helm of our schools. I’m Ben Brown, a former primary school teacher and deputy head with 17 years of classroom experience. My dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment was unwavering, but the immense pressures and demands of the job took a toll on my mental health, leading me to step away from the profession I loved.

Determined to make a difference and support those still in the field, I founded Education Roundtables – a forum designed to connect headteachers, providing them with a space to collaborate, share resources, and offer mutual support. Our mission is to reduce the pressures on school leaders by fostering a sense of community and belonging.

The need for such a network became strikingly clear during the pandemic, a time when headteachers were often left to navigate the turbulent waters of ever-changing government advice and last-minute decisions. Education Roundtables became a lifeline, offering a platform where headteachers could rely on each other for guidance, reassurance, and practical solutions.

Today, Education Roundtables continues to champion the importance of belonging in schools. Through our initiatives, speaking engagements, and coaching services, we strive to empower educational leaders to create environments where every student and staff member feels valued and connected.

Our Manifesto

We believe that a thriving educational environment is built on the foundation of belonging. Our mission is to create spaces where everyone feels welcomed, known, included, supported, and connected. These five pillars guide our work and our values:

Welcomed

We create environments where everyone feels genuinely welcomed and valued.​

Known

We ensure every individual is recognised and appreciated for who they are.​

Included

We embrace diversity and ensure all voices are heard and respected.

Supported

We provide robust support to help everyone thrive.

Connected

We build strong, interconnected communities through collaboration and mutual support.

Community and Collaboration

Our network operates through a variety of interactive and collaborative platforms to ensure continuous connection, resource sharing, and professional growth.

Through these various channels, we create a collaborative environment where headteachers can rely on each other for support, share valuable insights, and stay updated on the latest educational trends and policies. Our network is a hub of collective wisdom and mutual assistance, ensuring that no member feels isolated in their role.

Join us to be part of a dynamic community dedicated to enhancing educational leadership and fostering a sense of belonging in every school.

 

Regular Online Sessions:

We hold regular online sessions where members can share best practices, discuss common challenges, and collaborate on innovative solutions. These sessions provide a consistent opportunity for professional development and peer support.

Conferences & Social Events

Our network organises conferences and social events that bring members together for in-depth discussions, workshops, and networking. These events are designed to foster deeper connections and provide hands-on learning experiences.

WhatsApp and Twitter

We use WhatsApp and Twitter to maintain constant communication among members. These platforms are ideal for asking quick questions, sharing resources, and offering immediate support. Whether it’s a quick query or a call for advice, our online communities are always active and responsive.

Building Belonging Initiatives

In the 2024/25 academic year, our focus will be on embedding a deep sense of belonging across all our member schools. Each half-term, we will dedicate our efforts to exploring and reinforcing one of the five pillars of belonging, starting with an initial half-term on “The Foundations for Belonging.”

The Foundations of Belonging

Autumn Term 1:

We will kick off the year by laying the groundwork for what it means to create a sense of belonging. This initial phase will provide an overview of the importance of belonging, key strategies for implementation, and set the stage for the deeper exploration of each pillar in the subsequent half-terms.

Welcomed

Autumn Term 2:

During this half-term, we will focus on creating welcoming environments. Activities and discussions will revolve around practices that ensure every individual feels genuinely greeted and valued from the moment they enter the school.

Known

Spring Term 1:

In this phase, we will emphasize the importance of recognizing and valuing each individual. We will share strategies for building strong relationships and ensuring everyone feels seen and appreciated for who they are.

Included

Spring Term 2:

Our efforts will then shift to fostering inclusivity. We will explore ways to embrace diversity, ensure all voices are heard, and create opportunities for meaningful participation from everyone.

Supported

Summer Term 1:

Support systems are crucial for thriving communities. This half-term will focus on providing robust support for both students and staff, ensuring everyone has the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.

Connected

Summer Term 2:

Finally, we will concentrate on building strong connections. This period will highlight the importance of networks and relationships, both within the school and in the broader educational community.

Join us in building a more inclusive and supportive educational community

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