Green Shoots Partnership (formalised in June 2024) has been working together informally since 2022. The Local Authority of North Northamptonshire is very pro schools collaborating and have actively encouraged the bringing together of schools.
The idea of 'Green Shoots' symbolises growth, new beginnings and the nurturing of young minds.
The Green Shoots logo features a green shoot, symbolising growth and potential above the shoot are the four core values shared by both schools: Respect, Resilience, Responsibility, and Reflection. Each value is placed to highlight its importance, creating a cohesive representation of the partnership's commitment to nurturing well-rounded, mindful, and capable pupils.
Each school and setting within the Partnership is different. They have individual Heads of School and Senior Leadership Teams, which work together as the Green Shoots Leadership Team. The community needs are all very diverse and relevant to that school. As a Partnership, we do not apply a 'what a school should look like blue print', but bring key elements together into a cohesive vision and offer for the pupils and families we serve.
The Partnership shares an overall Governing Board. We look at strategic planning and the financial operations together. We share curriculum planning. We have similar staffing structures encouraging staff to collaborate to share work and workload and provide consistency for the children. We follow Partnership policies and systems and there are certain protocols and traditions which are evident in each school.
But, what we are most proud of, is that we recognise each school's individuality and the stretch and creativity within the schools to follow what is right for the community they serve.
The Partnership is led by Josie Garnham. She is supported by the Heads of School and shared staff who work across the sites. For example, the Executive School Business Manager, SENDco and Pastoral Care Manager who are key individuals in providing consistency.
Mrs Josie Garnham