The event is accompanied on the first day with a suppliers exhibition and both ICT Schools and Traded Services teams were represented.  It was the first opportunity since the 2019 event to meet school leaders in person and speak to them directly about what issues they are facing. Not surprisingly the rising costs of school's management was a big concern as was the ongoing impact of Covid on themselves, their staff wellbeing and that of pupils. The teams will use the feedback to work with our service providers to address these concerns wherever possible.

Sheryl Everett from the ICT Schools team said of the event,  "It was a great event and a great opportunity to say hello, meeting familiar faces and some new ones; I say faces as it was refreshing to speak ‘face to face’, something that has been missing in our working world, for a long time. The weather was fabulous in Brighton and it put a smile on many faces. We are looking forward to the next event."

Caroline Wheller commented, "It was great to see some of the other organisations supplying our schools and there are some inspiring innovations. For instance, our stand was alongside an organisation that provides online reading support for children with embedded technology that helps teachers see where students are struggling.  I was also delighted to get to sing in a band (always wanted to!) with a company that provides a band club free of charge for schools as parents pay.  Not only that, as schools are successful at recruiting they earn free places for those that cannot afford to attend. That really is delivering social value. We look forward to working ever closer with our schools to provide the support they need."