At last year’s Empower Multi Academy Trust Headteacher Conference, we were delighted to welcome OuttaReach UK as one of our exhibitors. Their team, represented by Jay and Shannon, spent the day connecting with school leaders from across the Trust, sharing their creative work and gaining a deeper understanding of the values that unite our Empower community.

Jay reflected on the experience, noting that what stood out most was the shared passion, collaboration and commitment from everyone involved in the Trust. The OuttaReach UK team were struck by the genuine drive to create inspiring learning environments where young people can feel supported, motivated and proud of their school spaces.

Following the conference, and with support from our CEO, Carla Whelan, OuttaReach UK were able to begin working with several EmpowerMat schools. The partnership even expanded beyond Shropshire, opening new opportunities as far as the Isle of Man.

As a gesture of appreciation for the warm welcome they received, OuttaReach UK generously offered one Empower school a free bespoke wall wrap—a creative addition designed to uplift and inspire pupils every day.

After speaking with Karen Matthews, Headteacher at Greenacres Primary, the OuttaReach team were particularly moved by her passion for her school, her pupils, and the environment they learn in. It quickly became clear that Greenacres would be the perfect home for the gift.

We are delighted to share that the brand‑new wall wrap has now been installed—and it looks fantastic. The vibrant design adds something truly special to the school’s interior and has already made a positive impact on the atmosphere within the building.

Jay from OuttaReach UK said he hoped the finished piece “helps inspire pupils every day and adds something special to the space they learn in.”

On behalf of Empower Multi Academy Trust, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jay, Shannon and the whole OuttaReach UK team for their generosity and continued support. We are also incredibly proud of the leadership at Greenacres Primary and grateful to Carla Whelan for enabling such meaningful partnerships across our Trust.

This collaboration is another wonderful example of how strong relationships, shared values and creative thinking can come together to enhance the experiences of the children and young people we serve.

Wednesday 11th March 2026 was an inspiring and energising professional development day at Wilfred Owen Primary School, as staff welcomed renowned teacher, writer, humourist, and curriculum imagineer Hywel Roberts. The day, planned and led by Head of School Sarah O’Hara, brought colleagues together for a powerful blend of practice-sharing, creativity, and joyful learning.

Sarah described the training as:

A Day of Storytelling, Creativity and ‘Botheredness’

Across three expertly crafted sessions, Hywel introduced colleagues to the concept of Botheredness® a rich, research-informed approach centred on making learning matter, grounding teaching in narrative, and fostering pupil investment.
The day explored:

• developing professional imagination in teaching
• using stories and narratives to support pupil progress
• the role of drama pedagogy in deepening historical understanding
• creative models including The Ship (The Greeks), People/Place/Problem, and Riverboat Taxis (The Great Fire of London)
• strategies for encouraging strong oracy and positive learning behaviours across the curriculum

Hywel’s practical examples, humour and energy created an environment where colleagues felt both inspired and equipped to try new approaches immediately.

A Trust-Wide Commitment to Quality Learning

Empower Multi Academy Trust’s commitment to high-quality professional development was central to the day. CEO Carla emphasised the importance of ensuring that all staff have access to rich, high‑value learning experiences that strengthen both teaching and curriculum design.

She also highlighted the Trust’s belief that supporting excellent education should extend beyond its own schools. Local partner schools were invited to attend the event free of charge, reflecting the Trust’s view that improving teaching benefits all children, not only those within Empower MAT.

An Impact That Lasts Beyond the Training Room

Colleagues left the day with:

• renewed enthusiasm for imaginative, learner‑centred teaching
• practical tools and strategies ready to implement straight away
• deeper understanding of how narrative, creativity and enactive learning support pupil motivation and progress

The day reaffirmed the power of high‑quality professional development: building confidence, strengthening curriculum thinking, and nurturing joyful teaching.

About Hywel Roberts

Hywel has more than thirty years’ experience across primary, secondary and specialist settings. His bestselling book Botheredness®, along with his international work in curriculum design, teacher education and creative pedagogy, has made him a highly respected and influential figure in education.

Botheredness by Hywel Roberts

Greenacres Primary School marked a proud and memorable moment on Friday 6th February as the school community came together to officially open The Orchard, a new specialised provision designed to support children with a range of SEND needs.

A Provision Rooted in Inclusion and Community Need

The Orchard was developed in direct response to the high level of SEND need in the local area, combined with a shortage of specialist school places and the school’s desire to be part of a wider solution that benefits children and their families. Greenacres’ staff bring a wealth of experience to this work, and the project also aligns with ongoing national SEND reforms and local hub developments.

Supported through Local Authority funding, The Orchard has been purposefully designed as a flexible, child‑centred space. The provision offers a blended learning approach, enabling children to spend time both in their mainstream classrooms and within The Orchard itself—building gradually and responsively based on individual needs.

A Wrap‑Around Model of Care

At the heart of The Orchard is a family‑centred, child‑centred model that ensures every child remains an integral part of the Greenacres community. The approach supports children through a carefully coordinated wrap‑around system involving their main class, The Orchard team, and their home environment. This creates stability, confidence, and a consistent experience across all parts of a child’s day.

A Milestone for Greenacres and the Community

Guests at the opening event celebrated not just a new building, but a meaningful step forward for inclusive education across Shrewsbury. The Orchard reflects the school’s long‑standing ethos of valuing every child, recognising their unique strengths, and ensuring they receive the support they need to flourish.

Greenacres would like to thank everyone who joined the celebration and all those who have contributed to bringing The Orchard to life. The school looks forward to seeing the positive impact this provision will have for current and future pupils.

The-Orchard-at-Greenacres

Wilfred Owen Primary School has proudly become the first school to join the INTune Radio CIC School Radio Club, marking an exciting milestone in empowering pupils through the art of broadcasting.

The initiative, launched in partnership with INTune Radio CIC, gives children the opportunity to develop their oracy skills, confidence, and creativity by producing and presenting their own radio content. This innovative approach not only enhances speaking and listening skills but also nurtures teamwork and self-expression in a fun, engaging environment.

Head of School Sarah O’Hara shared her thoughts in a recent interview, highlighting the positive impact the project has had on pupils:

The School Radio Club is more than just broadcasting, it’s about developing essential life skills. Pupils are learning how to plan, script, and present shows, while gaining experience in media production and teamwork. These skills will serve them well both inside and outside the classroom.

Children involved in the project have shared their excitement:

INTune Radio CIC aims to expand the School Radio Club across Shropshire, giving more schools the chance to benefit from this unique learning experience. Wilfred Owen Primary’s pioneering role sets a fantastic example of how schools can embrace innovative projects to enrich education.