Welcome to Aspire's development week: shaping your future

Reflecting on Aspire's Development Week: Shaping Your Future
As we recently came together for this year’s Development Week, our theme, "Shaping Your Future," challenged us to focus not only on the futures of the children we serve but also on our personal and professional growth. Last year, we emphasised unlocking our potential, recognising that our own development is key to inspiring those around us.

This year, we turned our attention inward once again, understanding that to shape the future for others, we must first shape ourselves. Each of us played a vital role in Aspire's mission, and our impact was a direct reflection of our commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. The future we shape isn't just about the children we inspire; it's also about becoming the best versions of ourselves—professionally, personally, and as leaders in our field.

Aspire is much more than a company. We are a community dedicated to growth, innovation, and excellence. By investing in our own development, we became better role models, more effective educators, and stronger leaders, ready to inspire the next generation to reach their fullest potential.

"We don't grow when things are easy." As we dove into the week, we embraced the learning, the connections, and the shared vision that defines us. By focusing on our own growth, we equipped ourselves to shape a brighter future—for ourselves, for Aspire, and for the generations we inspire.

A glimpse of our week looked like this:
Monday: We offered a Company update, "Creating Memories the Aspire Way," Wow Factor Award nominations, "Dare to Dream," and a Round Table activity.

Tuesday: Educators had a Gymnastics session delivered by Fiona Ellis, followed by a Dance session. Wraparound Plus Team Members received Wraparound training.

Wednesday: Educators participated in Adaptive Teaching and Assessment followed by Skills Progression in PE Playground Games. Our Bikeability team had Bikeability Refresher Training followed by Bike Maintenance. Our swim team underwent Pool Plant Training (including EAP/NOP).

Thursday: Educators engaged in an "On the Move" refresher, PECS refresher, which was followed by Autumn Term Preparation and school visits.

Friday: All of our team were joined by Inspire Active, which hosted a Retro Games event that saw the team playing team games to win points! Games such as Connect 4, Egg and Spoon Race, Tug of War, and much more. To finish the day, one of our directors, Paul, led a presentation on awards and team achievements.

This week was more than a series of events; it was an opportunity to recommit to our personal and professional development. As we engaged with each activity and session, we remembered the core of our theme: Shaping Your Future isn't just an individual journey; it's a collective endeavour that elevates us all.

Thank you for being an essential part of this inspiring week. Together, we continue to shape a bright future for ourselves and for the generations that follow.

Award winners: 

Team DNA: Connor Sheppard

• Thanks to their perfectly executed pass, this person helped us gain two opportunities at and engage 383 children.
• Those two opportunities were for PE Curriculum Support and Road 2 Paris.

Value Award winners:

Brad Terry

• During week 2 of Camps, we were understaffed due to a team member not reading the staff rota and declining their availability to work on Friday of that week.
• This person was on annual leave but as there was no other option, supported the situation by travelling to the camp and staying to deliver the sessions.
• This was an unexpected action but demonstrated our core values.

Paige Fox: 

• Since this person has been back on the team, the feedback from the schools they have supported has been exceptional.
• The data from programme delivery is always up to date and they have brilliant communication with the schools they have worked in. They have had the extra burden of being present when showcase sessions or health and safety visits have happened on site. They have showed professionalism, expert knowledge and have been a great ambassador for the Swim:ED programme.

Kady Redford:

"This person has consistently exceeded expectations. They always adapt to change quickly and any requests for support are swiftly dealt with which allows others to process things a lot quicker and continue with their tasks. Always ahead with review planning and are timely on majority of tasks to support learner progression."

Brian Jesson: 

"This individual Brian has been a great member of the SwimED team. They are always available to offer support to people. Feedback from schools about his teaching has been great, from both children, the parents and staff. They have also got stuck in and supported with Camps during the summer. They always has a smile on their face too!"

Andrew Stanton:

• This team member always leads by example. They are selfless with their time and always manage to find time for those who need support or guidance. They took on a new role over the summer to prepare our team ready for the new academic year.
• This has included working tirelessly on recruitment throughout the summer. They always give praise, show gratitude and motivate others. And he has been instrumental in the development and enhancement of programmes including the new Aspire:ED for organisations.

Connor Sheppard:

• This person has always gone the extra mile to support his team in schools. Brilliant feedback from schools regarding his delivery and whenever there is a concern raised, they deal with it in an exceptionally professional manner.
• This person is well liked by his peers and is a great role model for the children, parents on camps and fellow team members.

Paul Warner: 

• This person never fails to bring something to the Aspire team. They’re a great role model, always demonstrates our values and they are always willing to help people out. More importantly, they stepped up into lead on the operations side of the business over the summer holidays for a week.
• They have took the lead as an Active Camps coordinator and nothing is ever a problem. They will literally do anything to ensure our customers are happy and it’s a pleasure to have him on our team.

Max Cooper:

"Nothing is ever a problem for this team member. They always have a heavy workload and are always happy to go out of their way across all areas of the business. They always do it with good grace and a fantastic sense of humour. This person makes a lot of other peoples lives easier and they are always willing to go the extra mile."

WOW Factor winner: Andrew Stanton

"This person has helped turn parts of the business around and I can’t wait to get the new academic year underway with their involvement."

"This person has provided support in the onboarding of new partners and given additional out-of-hours support when needed."

"Has hit the ground running in his new management role and provided support whenever it is needed."

"They have gone beyond what was expected by providing support and valuable input into the team development week."

"Took on a huge amount of operations, stepped up to take over responsibilities that they don’t normally undertake, including recruitment over the summer."