It was lovely to see so many staff attending the recent Mocktail Time to Talk event. Although the weather meant the gathering had to be moved indoors, spirits remained high throughout the afternoon, with plenty of laughter and conversation shared by all.

One of the most popular drinks of the day was the refreshing Apple Spritz, which proved to be a firm favourite among staff members. For those who would like to recreate it at home, here is the simple recipe:

Apple Spritz Recipe

• 1/2 ginger ale
• 1/2 apple juice
• Fresh apples
• Lots of ice

A big thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success despite the rainy weather.

Staff from across the Trust who have given more than 20 years of service came together to celebrate an incredible milestone at our annual Long Service meal.

Held at the beautiful Bank Restaurant in Birmingham, the afternoon was an opportunity to recognise the dedication, commitment and passion shown by colleagues who have devoted two decades or more to supporting our communities and delivering outstanding care.

The event brought together staff from a wide range of teams and roles across the Trust, each with their own stories and experiences but all sharing a common commitment to the people we serve. Colleagues had the chance to reconnect, reflect on their journeys, and celebrate the impact they have made over the years.

Reaching 20+ years of service is a remarkable achievement, and the evening served as a small token of our appreciation for the knowledge, experience and compassion these colleagues bring to their work every day.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to all those celebrating their long service this year. Your dedication truly makes a difference.

Sweet Surprise for Staff: A Caramel or Crème Egg Treat Brightens the Day!

At Barr Beacon, we are incredibly proud of the dedication, passion and hard work shown by our staff every single day. The Barr Beacon Spring Term Oscars provided a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions made across our school community.

These awards highlight not only exceptional teaching and support, but also the positive relationships, teamwork and commitment that make Barr Beacon such a special place to learn and work. Every nomination (203 in total) reflected the high standards and care our staff bring to their roles, and we are grateful to everyone who continues to go above and beyond.

We are delighted to congratulate this terms winners:

Oscar Awards Ceremony  

Faculty Members of the Term
H Cusworth, M Bagshaw, R Ahua, R Juss, L Otten, C Ashley, K Thompson, V Askew

Support Staff Member of the Term
J Wallace

Unsung Hero Award
V Aswat

Above & Beyond Award
S Bey

Positive Energy Award
M Harris

Most Supportive Colleague
S Kaur

Team Player Award
S Wild

School Values Ambassador Award
J Brocklebank

Corridor Presence Award
L Rennison

The Calm in the Storm Award
R Llewellyn and H Fullard

Making a Difference Everyday

E Steel

On Tuesday 24th March, Barr Beacon staff came together for a lively and entertaining Wellbeing Quiz, hosted by quizmasters Mr Ball and Mr Davies.

The event kicked off with a fun “Guess the Chocolate” round, followed by the amusing “Taller Than Ball” challenge, which had staff laughing as they compared height of random objects with the 5ft 6 inch Mr Ball!  One of the highlights of the event was the music round, brilliantly delivered by the Mc Lauries, which proved a hit with everyone involved.

Competition was fierce throughout the event, with teams battling it out across a range of creative rounds. In a closely contested finish, Mr Watson triumphed in the “Come Fly With Me” paper aeroplane challenge, narrowly beating Mr Dawes.

The quiz was a great success, bringing staff together for fun and laughter

Barr Beacon School continues to prioritise staff wellbeing with recent upgrades to the staff room area.

The staff room now includes a new microwave and kettle, making it easier for staff to prepare meals and hot drinks.

A new book exchange has also been introduced in the staff room area, offering staff the opportunity to share and borrow books. This initiative encourages staff to take time for themselves and enjoy a quiet moment of reading during their lunch breaks. Staff have already responded positively to the changes, highlighting “how quick their lunch now heats up ! “

Staff at Barr Beacon staff on Monday 23rd March enjoyed a special “Thank You Breakfast” marking the end of a busy spring term.

The menu included fresh fruit, yoghurt, and a variety of hot sausage sandwiches, alongside freshly baked chocolate croissants that proved especially popular. The combination of healthy options and comforting treats created a balanced and enjoyable start to the day.

We would like to thank all out staff for the hard work and dedication shown throughout the term.

Testimonial “Events like this aim to boost morale, encourage a positive working environment, and give staff a well-deserved moment to pause before the Easter break.” A Sidhu

Our very own Miss Marr had some netball training with professional Birmingham Panthers player Gabrielle Coffey, Miss tells us she we will be stealing some of her techniques and drills to prepare staff for a friendly netball game every Wednesday 3.30pm in the gym.

This week, staff have taken the time to complete our Stay Survey, giving their valuable feedback on what’s working well, what helps them feel included, and what supports them to thrive at work. The survey focuses on strengths and growth, allowing us to celebrate positives and make meaningful improvements.

We also appreciate colleagues sharing their career aspirations through the survey. Following this, staff will be invited to one-to-one careers meetings to discuss goals in more detail.