As you may know, I have decided to lead in Oak from September with Mr Herbert leaving us at the end of this term.

Now that I have met with the parents and carers most directly affected, I would like to explain my thinking to other stakeholders.

Leading a class is something I have been considering for more than a year. As the most-experienced and best-qualified teacher in any school, it has always seemed right to me a headteacher teaches. While I could not do this when I first arrived at Northaw as there was a considerable amount of work required to get us back on track, including formulating and introducing a new curriculum, I have gradually increased my teaching commitment every year as such tasks have been completed and now feel I can take the next step.

There is another consideration - our finances. Small schools are currently facing unprecedented pressures with a declining birthrate in Hertfordshire, wholly inadequate funding to support children with profound special needs and poorly considered government measures. An example of the latter was announced just before half term with the ending of the Primary PE and Sport Premium: this is a pot of money which allows us to hire transport for attending fixtures, maintain facilities and deploy a coach at lunchtime. The council has also been clear they will not bail out any struggling establishments. Through careful budgeting since 2022, our position is stronger than many small schools; however, we have reached the point when I must consider making redundancies, seriously impairing the education we can provide, to stay afloat.

I could just whinge about this, blame forces beyond my control or, having now completed four years at Northaw and seen the school very successfully through both SIAMS & Ofsted, move to a bigger setting, but that simply is not me. I love our little school, and we are building something special here with fantastic children supported by a great team of adults, and extremely supportive parents and carers. I am utterly determined my task is not finished until we have achieved sustainable finances, securing the future of Northaw for years to come. By working concurrently as headteacher and teacher (my salary would not change), this is brought much nearer while avoiding any further cuts, maintaining the best provision available.

I am under no illusions about the scale of burden I must carry to bring this about but believe it can be done with sufficient planning, careful scheduling and targeted resources. For example, I already teach most of the week; my teaching next year would simply be limited to Oak. At the same time, I am certainly not going to conceal from you the level of challenge, and very much want your support and understanding as we navigate this change together. Rest-assured, should it prove too much, then I would of course seek to recruit another teacher.

I believe this decision is right for the children in Oak from September, but I also believe it is right for every child who attends this setting, achieving sustainability and maintaining excellence.