NEAT Business Breakfast Thank you 

Thank You for Joining Us at the NEAT Business Breakfast

As a trust, we put real value on the effective teaching of reading. Reading opens doors for learners, and we have invested a huge amount of time and resources into securing good outcomes within reading.

Last year, 80% of our pupils met the expected standard in the phonics screening check, in line with national outcomes. In 2024, 76% of our Key Stage 2 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, which was above national outcomes. This year, we expect our results to be even stronger.

World Book Day provides a perfect opportunity to promote a love of reading across our schools and wider communities. Learners can dress up, engage with books, have fun, and continue on their journey to becoming confident and enthusiastic readers.

This year, our schools are running quizzes, reading challenges, family reading events, and the traditional dressing up!

If you want to find out more about what our schools have planned or see the highlights from our celebrations, check out our schools’ social media and websites.

Bridging the Skills Gap

One of the key discussions at the event was the skills employers find missing in school leavers when they start work. Around the tables, we heard common themes, including:

  • Confidence in communication – speaking up in meetings, making phone calls, and presenting ideas.
  • Problem-solving and adaptability – thinking on their feet and overcoming challenges.
  • Workplace behaviours – time management, organisation, and professional conduct.

As a Trust, we want to work more closely with employers to help bridge this gap. Schools can support by:

  • Embedding more real-world skills into lessons.
  • Giving pupils more opportunities to engage with businesses, from career talks to work experience.
  • Encouraging confidence-building activities like mock interviews and networking events.

Employers can play a huge role by:

  • Offering insight days or short work placements.
  • Supporting mentoring programmes for young people.
  • Providing feedback and guidance on what they look for in new employees.

Hearing from Our Pupils

A highlight of the morning was hearing from some of our pupils about their career aspirations and what steps they are taking now to achieve them. It’s always inspiring to see young people so engaged and motivated about their futures.

Local Community Support

We also had an update from three fantastic local community groups that are making a real difference:

  • Open Doors – helping adults return to work by supporting them with employability skills.
  • Benfield Football Club – running a breakfast club to support families and ensure pupils start the day with a meal.
  • Mind Matters NE – delivering their Bike and Banter programme, supporting adults who are socially isolated due to mental health or other challenges, helping them connect with others and explore the local area.

Looking Ahead

The conversations, connections, and ideas shared at this event will help shape the way we work together as a Trust and business community to support young people. We look forward to continuing these discussions at our next Business Breakfast in the summer term.

Thank you again for your support—we couldn’t do it without you!