As you read through editions of Snapshots you become increasingly aware that someone somewhere is likely to be working on, or will have tried, at least in part, most new ideas or developments. To me this highlights one of the significant benefits of our network - our shared knowledge.

Many appreciate that as an innovator you often need the confidence to fail. Yet this sits uneasily with a young person’s education and what is, in some ways, a key life chance. By sharing our practice and what we have learnt about the process of implementing the ideas we can reduce the risk and, at the same time, encourage each other to innovate.

Snapshots provides real opportunities for us to share, not only what we have done, but also what we have learnt. Often it is the small things that make the difference. The specific tactics and the lessons we learn as we implement changes are often the critical things that make the initiatives work. I encourage you to share these things in all that you write, as the challenges so often lie in the detail.

Something else to reflect on is just how context specific initiatives are. At one level this notion is very appealing and clearly we must all be aware of the context in which we operate. Yet, at the level of broad principles, there are often more factors we share than those we differ on.

In some ways undue attention to context can be simply used as an excuse for not doing something. Certainly, when you look at some of the impressive developments that colleagues have implemented, what strikes you most is their wider relevance and application. In addition, the clarity of aim and purpose and the commitment and determination that has been shown provides inspiration to us all.

So, enjoy this edition, which is as diverse and stimulating as ever. Encourage yourselves and your colleagues to innovate and recognise that where there is a will there is usually a way!

Mr David Crossley
Director, Achievement Networks
Specialist Schools Trust

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