It is wonderful to have our pupils back with us, and what better way to start a new year than with Vision Day. Across the school, children have been creating work to explore what our school vision means to them, and the results have been thoughtful, creative and inspiring.

Our vision at William Ford is rooted in Psalm 25:4-5a and shapes everything we do here. We want every child to leave us having been:

Successful — We believe every child can achieve. Success at William Ford is not just about academic results; it is about growing as a learner, developing resilience, working hard and discovering what you are capable of. We want our pupils to leave us ready for whatever comes next.

Healthy — We want our children to be healthy in mind, body and spirit. That means looking after their physical health, understanding their emotions, building strong relationships, and knowing that they are valued and cared for. A healthy child is a child who can learn, grow and flourish.

Fulfilled — We want every child to discover their gifts and have the opportunity to use them. Whether that is through sport, the arts, music, writing, science, cooking, broadcasting or something else entirely, William Ford is a place where children are encouraged to find what makes them come alive.

Empowered to Make a Difference — We want our pupils to know that they are not too young, too small or too ordinary to change things. They have a voice, and that voice matters, in our school, in our community, in our nation and in our world.

One of the most powerful ways we live out that final strand is through our sponsored children programme. Each year group here at William Ford sponsors a child in Colombia, South America, through the charity Stand by Me, and Colombia is woven into our wider curriculum throughout the year so that our children genuinely know and care about the community they are connected to.

On Friday, we were delighted to welcome Karen from Stand by Me into school to introduce Year 3 to their new sponsored child, Victoria, and to bring updates on our other sponsored children, Matias, Azahel and Nailin. It was a moving and meaningful morning. Every child across the school has written a letter to their sponsored child, and copies of these will be sent off soon. A selection will also be on display in our school hall. We hope you will come in and take a look.

Here is to a wonderful year ahead.