THE recently formed Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust recently staged its first ever conference for support staff from across the 15 schools that make up the trust.

Some 334 support staff attended the conference which was aimed very much at raising the profile and importance of the roles that colleagues play in the schools.

Daryll Chapman, chief executive officer (CEO), said that he was delighted that so many colleagues came together to help shape the future direction of the trust.

‘It’s so important that all colleagues, no matter what role they have in our schools, feel valued and that their voice is listened to as we develop and build the trust. Hazel Fox (Vice CEO) described the support staff as ‘’our unsung heroes without whom Schools would fail to operate effectively.’

The conference involved a number of activities and opportunities for staff to network with colleagues from other schools within the trust. Daryll Chapman said the ideas and views presented during the conference will be built into development plans for the next couple of years.

Trustees from the trust also supported the conference. Tania Skeaping, chair of the school performance committee, said that she was delighted that the conference was such a success and that she hoped this would become a regular event for the future.

The Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust was formed in January 2018 and comprises 15 schools from within the West Devon area. Schools include; Tavistock College, Holsworthy College, Okehampton College, Okehampton Primary, Chagford Primary, Exbourne Primary, North  Tawton Primary, South Tawton Primary, Northlew Primary, Bridgerule Primary, Black Torrington Primary, Bradford Primary, Bridestowe Primary, Boasley Cross Primary and Lydford Primary. Highampton Primary School colleagues also attended the event as the school will be joining the Trust in September.