As school leaders we do all we can to steer the best possible course through these weather systems by building strong partnerships, drawing on governors, supporting and empowering staff and looking after the wellbeing of pupils.

However try as you might; sometimes you simply cannot always do enough to keep you on course to your next safe harbour. Few of us can say now that we have safely arrived. Birmingham Education Partnership offers a “values anchor” essential for all schools in the stormiest of seas. We hold to our shared purpose of securing a deeply good education for ALL Birmingham children, focussing on the whole child, on the social and civic as well as the academic.

Learning to Shape Birmingham 2017 will help all of us navigate the challenges ahead. Reading the charts and interpreting the weather forecasts, choosing the right sails and plotting the best course, ensuring strong radio contact, checking safety equipment and knowing emergency procedures, including how to call for help. More than ever we know how important it is that we lose no one overboard, let alone have any more sinkings. With disasters avoided, making our boats go faster and mastering the sea can be a joy!

The conference will cover the latest in Government policy. Learning from successful practice nationally we will focus on all settings, regardless of phase or designation.

• Strategic financial planning and risk mitigation
• the latest on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment
• learning about new school groupings and collaboratives.