Summer Newsletter 2026
In this newsletter we are bringing you:
- an update on Victoria's Ofsted inspection
- a look at how the Governors support pupils' and staff wellbeing
- an introduction to Castle Federation's newest Parent Governor
- a farewell from your Chair of Governors
From your Chair of Governors, Elaine Bunn
Welcome to the summer edition of the Castle Federation governor newsletter.
Summer is a natural time for celebration and valuing all that is good about the community and environment that surrounds us. The weather is beautiful (mostly), gardens are in bloom and children are excited about upcoming holidays and events.
One thing comes top of the list of reasons to celebrate across our schools’ community this summer. Victoria has achieved a wonderfully glowing and positive report from its recent Ofsted visit.
Ofsted judged three areas to be in the ‘strong’ category and all others fell within the ‘expected’ category. Safeguarding was judged as being ‘met’. Ms Roberts explains in more detail below that these achievements should not be underestimated. Strong and expected are incredibly hard to attain, and the only alternative to met for safeguarding is ‘not met’!
The governing body is incredibly proud of what has been achieved, and we are immensely thankful for the diligence and determination of staff and leaders over the last few years. This report is testament to their unflinching confidence and extreme hard work and dedication.
Goodbye Chris, and welcome Martin
Around 16 governors make up the Castle Federation governing board which is responsible for the strategic oversight of Victoria and Thomas Coram schools. Each year brings changes to the membership of the board, and this year is no different.
We’ve said goodbye to Chris Cartwright who has stepped down as a foundation governor. I would like to thank Chris for her time, energy, enthusiasm and insight, as well as her passion for collective worship and getting to know the schools' distinctive Christian character. We wish her all the best for her next adventure.
We’ve also welcomed Martin Vallance as the newest parent governor, following an election in May. Martin brings a fresh perspective to the board and a new set of skills and experience which I will leave him to tell you about later in this newsletter.
Martin is also something of a record breaker, having been elected following the largest number of nominations for a parent governor role that Castle Federation has ever seen. Congratulations, Martin. We are excited to have you join us at such a positive point in the year.
Farewell from me
I have also reached the end of my term as governor this summer, and so have spent time reflecting on and evaluating my time on the board, what I feel I have contributed, and what worthwhile learnings I can pass on to the new chair of governors, Tim Trailor.
It 
has been a rollercoaster journey that has seen two new heads of school appointed, a new executive headteacher, three visits from Ofsted and multiple changes of staff on the governing board and within the teaching staff.
However, Castle Federation can be proud of both its schools, and all its staff members, governors, pupils, and leaders. Our schools are achieving some incredible results, and the governing board is in a really good position, with a group of fabulously skilled and invested people.
I am truly thankful for the opportunity to experience what has been one of the most worthwhile, challenging and yet gratifying roles. I have learnt a great deal about the wider context of the schools and about myself! I feel certain that Tim will continue to lead the board with the utmost skill and wisdom.
Thank you
So now, for the last time, I would like to thank the pupils for their hard work throughout this last year, and to wish them all the very best for their transition into their next year, class, and for some, school.
It is always special to see the Year 6 cohort walk out of school on the last day, ready to make their way into secondary school and the next important chapter of their lives. The same with Year 2, who head off to their next stop on their educational journey, whether Thomas Coram or another school, with confidence and pride.
Enormous thanks to all the leaders and staff at both schools for always going above and beyond for the pupils and wider school community.
Thank you also to the governors for their careful and considered oversight, and for their generosity of time and skill in guiding the strategic direction of our schools and ensuring the best outcomes for pupils and enabling them to flourish in learning and love.
Wishing you all a restful and relaxing summer break, and all the very best for whatever the next academic year holds for you.
Elaine Bunn, Chair of Governors
From your Executive Head, Ms Roberts
What another phenomenal year, consisting of fantastic opportunities for all our children across the Federation.
Mrs Daily, Mrs Freeman and I are so proud of all the children’s achievements and of the continued hard work and dedication of the staff, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Daily and Mrs Freeman for their continued passion and devotion to the children in their schools.
There have been so many exciting trips, residentials, and visitors to both our schools. A few highlights this year are: the Mary Poppins production at TC was 
outstanding, all the class assemblies and the children flying high at TC and growing at Victoria, the leavers' assemblies and services, whilst emotional, mark the start of an exciting new adventure. We also need to celebrate all the new additions to the Castle Federation family, with the safe arrival of five babies.
We absolutely cannot forget the Ofsted inspection at Victoria, as we had been waiting with anticipation for many months to share the excellent practice at the school.
Validation and acknowledgement of our fantastic provision was gratefully received, following a rigorous process under a very challenging new framework.
Of the 921 inspections since the new framework was introduced, only 16% were graded strong for achievement and only 32% achieved strong for attendance and behaviour.
Of the 666 schools inspected that have an early years department, only 25% were graded strong.
There are so many parts of the report that we are particularly proud of but standout parts for me are:
“Leaders place pupils’ best interests at the centre of every decision."
"Staff maintain high expectations for all pupils and provide consistent support, so that pupils build confidence and resilience, over time."
"Leaders monitor outcomes closely and refine their approaches to secure sustained improvement."
"Pupils feel pleased to be at school because they enjoy their learning and seeing their friends. Children in the early years get off to a flying start."
"Pupils feel safe at school and learn about their emotions, which helps them consider how their actions affect others. "
"Learning is engaging and pupils achieve well."
"Pupils feel valued and motivated to improve school life for everyone in their community. They consistently act with respect and kindness."
If you have not had a chance, please take a few minutes to read the glowing report here.
I also wanted to say a massive thank you to Elaine Bunn, our Chair of Governors, who is stepping down as Chair and as a governor at the end of the academic year.
Elaine has been a huge support to the schools and to me specifically, since I took up my post.
After being persuaded to stay for another year, reluctantly we finally have to let her go. This will end a 14-year association with the Federation, as a parent, chair of the VSA and later a governor. Thank you, Elaine, for being a supportive and influential leader. We will miss your expertise greatly.
A very warm welcome to Tim Trailor who will be stepping up from Vice Chair into the role of Chair from September.
Wishing everyone in our Castle community a relaxing summer with time for
family fun, and hopefully a bit of sun!
Kindest regards,
Ms Roberts, Executive Headteacher
"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world" —B.B. King
Wellbeing Update
Promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing remains a key priority at both our schools. As the governor with oversight for wellbeing, I help to ensure the governing board regularly monitors wellbeing initiatives and works closely with school leaders to ensure a positive and caring
environment for everyone.
Children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and valued, and it has been very encouraging to see the many ways staff support children every day, inside and outside the classroom, to develop their confidence, resilience and relationships.
Equally important is the wellbeing of our staff. Teachers and support staff play a vital role in the life of the school, and ensuring they feel supported enables them to provide the best possible experience for our pupils.
I have been particularly impressed by the kindness shown throughout our schools. It reflects the values we seek to nurture every day. Through acts of compassion, respect and service to others, our pupils demonstrate the Christian values that are at the heart of our school community. These qualities are just as important as academic success and contribute greatly to a positive and inclusive school environment.
As we reflect on the last year, we should be proud of all that has been achieved. I would like to thank our dedicated staff, supportive parents and wonderful pupils for their contributions to making our schools such a caring and successful place to learn and work. Wellbeing is a shared responsibility, and we are grateful for the continued partnership between school and home.
Tracy Brown, Link Governor for Wellbeing
Meet Your New Parent Governor
I recently joined Castle Federation’s governing board as a parent governor and have already found it to be a fulfilling experience. As a parent, I wanted the opportunity to give something back to the schools’ communities and play a small part in helping them continue to thrive.
In my professional life, I work as a regional director for an international consultancy, supporting organisations through digital change and improvement programmes. While some of those skills are useful in a governance role, I've quickly learnt that being a governor is really about supporting the schools, listening, asking thoughtful questions, and helping ensure the best outcomes for all pupils across the Federation.
What has impressed me most so far is the dedication of the staff, governors
and wider school community. I hope to contribute positively over the coming years and would encourage anyone considering becoming a governor to explore the opportunity. It’s a valuable and rewarding way to support the schools and make a difference.
Martin Vallance, Parent Governor
