For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Holli Hunter and I’m the Headteacher of Menorah Foundation School. This is my second year in the role. I’m delighted to be here with you today, and I hope that this presentation gives you an insight into what PaJes means to me, both personally and professionally.
When I first became Headteacher, I found myself stepping into a challenging, yet exciting, role. As you can imagine, there were a lot of unknowns, but one thing that has stood out to me is how invaluable PaJes has been during this time.
PaJes has brought me into contact with a community of other Headteachers who are in a similar position to me: they’re also new to Headship! This network of peers has been a lifeline. The group coaching sessions that PaJes offer are incredibly valuable to me. They provide space to reflect, share experiences, and, most importantly, learn from others. It’s something I look forward to each time because it offers real, practical advice and support. As well as connecting with Headteachers who are new to the role, PaJes helped to link me with an experienced Head, a mentor, someone who I can reach out to for guidance and support should I need.
And then there’s the Headteacher conference. What a treat that is! Last year we escaped to Brighton and this year we escaped to The Grove. Note how I used the word escaped…that’s how it feels for a Headteacher when they get time for themselves! PaJes always goes above and beyond to ensure we are not just looked after, but also inspired. The keynote speakers they bring in are thought-provoking, and I leave each event feeling revitalised and better equipped to face the challenges of running a school. PaJes makes me feel valued, and that sense of being part of something bigger is something I truly cherish.
I am not Jewish, but PaJes has helped me feel connected to both my school community and the wider Jewish community. It has helped me connect with professionals who understand the unique context of our school and provided me with the guidance I need to navigate some of the more specific challenges we face. A perfect example of this came during our recent Ofsted inspection where a specific question about our ethos was raised by the team, and although I knew the answer, PaJes was there to support me in a crafting a clear and concise response.
That kind of backing is invaluable. PaJes is more than just programmes and events – it’s about the ongoing, behind-the-scenes support that helps you when you’re facing a particular challenge. As a Headteacher, and particularly as a new Headteacher, it means a lot to me to know there is a “go to” place to chew things over.
This brings me to the Whatsapp groups. PaJes keep us up to date with developments and current issues. Colleagues also use these groups to seek and post advice e.g. sharing policies, discussing strategies to support with SEN etc. It may seem like something insignificant; however, it helps keep us connected with like-minded professionals.
PaJes also plays a huge role in the development of our leadership team. My deputy head is currently undertaking the Lira Winston Fellowship leadership course through PaJes. The learning she’s gaining from this programme is already having a positive impact on our school. As she strengthens her leadership practice, we all benefit as a community. Coaching is also provided for her as a participant and, like me, she also looks forward to these valuable sessions.
One of the things I truly appreciate is the opportunity PaJes provides for our Kodesh department to network and collaborate. It gives them the time to pause, reflect, and exchange ideas with colleagues from across the sector
When it comes to the children and culture of our school, PaJes has been instrumental in helping us achieve the Wellbeing Award, recognising us as a school that prioritises mental health and wellbeing. PaJes met with me and our Senior Mental Health Lead to evaluate where we were as a school, helping us put in place actions to improve further. They even delivered a session for the whole staff during an INSET day, helping us to better understand and implement wellbeing strategies. It was such a positive experience for everyone involved.
In terms of our curriculum, PaJes has supported us with the Heads Up Kids PSHE programme, which focuses on relationships, mental health, and wellbeing. They invited our staff to attend training before we rolled it out, and provide termly visits in order to support teachers in delivering the programme. I’m pleased to say that it has been a huge success. It’s a programme that both staff and students really enjoy, and it’s making a real difference to the way we approach wellbeing in the school. PaJes have also facilitated parent workshops about these programmes.
PaJes also engages with our governors, ensuring they have access to professional development opportunities. I may not always hear the details of what they take away, but I can see the improvements in their approach and governance, and I am sure PaJes has played a role in that.
Finally, I want to highlight how PaJes has made recruitment so much easier for us. The process for advertising posts is incredibly streamlined, saving us time and effort, which ultimately allows us to focus on what really matters: the children and their education.
In conclusion, PaJes has been an incredible partner for me, my school, and our community. It provides more than just support—it creates a sense of belonging, collaboration, and inspiration. I’m grateful for all that PaJes does, and I look forward to continuing to work together in the future.
