Second National INSET Day of the 2025–26

On Friday, colleagues from across Aldridge Education came together for our second National INSET Day of the 2025–26 academic year, with staff gathering at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, Dukes Aldridge Academy and Brighton Aldridge Community Academy to collaborate, learn from one another and connect as our Aldridge community.

A key focus of the day was the launch of the early stages of our nurture strategy. Together, we explored how small, intentional changes in our practice can strengthen the wellbeing and psychological safety of both learners and colleagues. Nurture sits at the heart of creating environments where every young person feels valued, supported and able to succeed - and that means it's a key priority for us.

These conversations directly support our shared commitment to bringing learning to life and leaving no one behind. When every student feels safe, understood and supported, they are better able to engage, participate and thrive in their learning.

The day also provided valuable opportunities for colleagues across our schools to share experiences, reflect on practice and strengthen the connections that underpin our work as a Trust. It was encouraging to see so many staff engaging thoughtfully with how nurture can shape culture, classrooms and communities across Aldridge Education.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day such a positive and purposeful step forward in this work, and a particular thank you to the Growing Together at Aldridge Education team for their expertise as always in shaping and delivering so much of the day, as well as to Lesley Aird for her support in helping guide and strengthen the vital nurture work. The day was a reminder of the power of collaboration - both across Aldridge and with partners across the wider education sector - in helping us continue to learn, grow and deliver the best possible outcomes for our young people.