Primary Inset 2026: Building together across Spencer
Over 600 colleagues from across our primary academies came together once again last month for two inspiring Primary INSET events, celebrating collaboration and our shared commitment to the children and communities of Spencer Academies Trust.
Hosted at Portland Spencer Academy for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire schools and Brackensdale Spencer Academy for Derby and Derbyshire schools, the events provided an opportunity for colleagues to reconnect with one another and refocus on the shared purpose that sits at the heart of our Trust - delivering the very best for children and young people.
Building on last year’s theme of belonging, this year’s focus, BUILD: Our Journey, Our Collective Future, encouraged colleagues to think about their own professional journeys and the role we all play in supporting one another to grow. Across the two days, the message was clear: when we invest in people, we strengthen schools and create better outcomes for children.
The day began with an introduction from Sarah McAneny-Vincent, Director of Inclusion, who welcomed colleagues and reflected on how last year’s work around belonging continues to shape our culture across Spencer. Celebrating the breadth of schools represented in the room, she set the tone for a day centred on shared learning and collective responsibility.
Interim Chief Executive Officer, Kate Green, then delivered a keynote that traced her journey through Spencer Academies Trust, beginning as a primary teacher at Fairfield Spencer Academy in 2003 and progressing through leadership roles to her current position. Sharing both personal reflections and Trust-wide priorities, Kate reintroduced the concept of Belong, Build, Become, encouraging colleagues to recognise the impact of their own growth within the Spencer story.
Her session emphasised that leadership exists at every level, inviting staff to reflect on what they lead and the difference they make each day. Highlighting the Trust’s people strategy, Kate reinforced the importance of investing in professional learning and creating an environment where colleagues feel supported to grow. She also reminded attendees of the profound impact educators have on children, particularly those who need the greatest support, encouraging everyone to reflect on the lives they have helped change for the better.
The events also welcomed children’s author, Helen Rutter, whose session brought warmth, humour and creativity to the programme. Sharing her journey from acting and comedy into writing, Helen spoke openly about how her first book, The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh, grew from writing daily chapters for her son and the powerful role stories can play in helping children understand themselves and the world around them.
Highlighting the importance of reading, Helen explored how books can help children navigate challenges, build empathy and form connections. Her workshop encouraged colleagues to rediscover storytelling as a tool for engagement and expression, reminding everyone that stories - whether read or written - can have a lasting impact on a child’s confidence and sense of belonging.
Beyond the keynote sessions, colleagues participated in a wide range of professional learning workshops aligned to the IEF framework. Sessions spanned key areas including Leadership, Academic Curriculum, Improving Outcomes, Disadvantaged Pupils, Personal Development, Reading, Wellbeing, and Behaviour, Attendance & Safeguarding. Led by experts from across our academies, the workshops showcased the depth of expertise within the Trust and reinforced the power of collaboration and shared practice.
Throughout both days, opportunities for reflection encouraged colleagues to think about their own Spencer journey - when it began, how it has developed, and where it might lead next. These shared moments captured the spirit of the event: recognising individual contribution while strengthening our collective purpose.
Reflecting on the days, Interim CEO, Kate Green, shared: “Our Primary INSETs symbolise all we stand for at Spencer. It is a privilege to see genuine collaboration driving a shared desire to be the very best we can be for our children and families. Thank you to everyone who shared their practice and to those who helped put the days together - the mobilisation of knowledge is already making a difference in our classrooms. I’m exceptionally proud to be part of a culture where we ‘build’ one another and ‘learn all we can'.”
The Primary INSET days once again demonstrated the strength of #OneSpencer - a community committed to building confident professionals, strong schools and brighter futures for every child.
Our thanks go to all colleagues and guest speakers who contributed to two impactful days of learning and collaboration.
