OUR COLLEAGUES SAY...

Being a member of WISC was very important to us during the Covid restrictions, with the opportunity to discuss the effect on the school community and compare notes as to how we were all managing the barrage of requirements coming from the government. Since then, the organisation has continued to help us as a source of knowledge and support.

WISC is an invaluable resource to Orbis Education, it gives educators access to training and peer working opportunities that strengthen practice and keep senior leaders up to date with changes and legislation. During these difficult times WISC and the community it has created provides educators with a support network and offers practical solutions to problems currently facing independent schools.

Being a member of WISC has given Howell’s School access to an incredibly useful range of educational information, advice and training. Regular emails keep us up to date on any new developments including safeguarding and examination board updates and the response to any educational issues is timely and supportive. WISC is a great organisation to work with and has been an invaluable partner for us over many years.

Regular attendance at the WISC conference is a highlight for us. The two days is always well-organised, offering a wide range of sessions that both stimulate thought and encourage dialogue. Recent highlights such as the LGBT+ presentation by Shaun Dellenty, the updates by Estyn and the regular safeguarding sessions have been excellent. Emma Verrier does an amazing job of putting together a truly enjoyable and worthwhile event.

The WISC conferences are an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues, gain information on new developments in education and to hear the most recent updates from Estyn. The conferences are always well organised, in great settings with everyone receiving a hearty welcome from the WISC team. I particularly enjoy the guest speakers – always from a variety of backgrounds.

Membership of WISC has helped debunk the notion that independent special schools are somehow in ‘competition’ and that collaboration is impossible. All pupils and colleagues in Wales benefit from the opportunities WISC membership facilitates through the annual conference, training events and the excellent relationship with Welsh Government and Estyn. Sharing best practice between skilful and dedicated professionals is integral to the WISC community and I can honestly say that WISC has been central to the success of my school.

Of all the conferences I attend during an academic year, WISC’s is the most impactful and the most enjoyable. The sessions are breeding grounds for school improvement and the development of strategic objectives. Spending time with colleagues across the independent sector is inspirational and the opportunities to develop impactful links with schools or indeed relevant organisations has huge value.

Although we are new to WISC we have found the support informative and helpful. We have attended events which have been very useful both for knowledge and networking.

The WISC conference is always well organised, informative, and fun. It covers a wide range of topics and gives all independent schools a platform to network and develop practice alongside other educators. The recent conference alongside ESTYN gave schools practical advice to ensure opportunities for all independent schools to succeed.

Our annual membership with WISC has proven to be one of our most beneficial resources.

We first subscribed as a new school and it helped so much regards policies, legislation and general information. This was made easier for us with the regular emails and information from WISC. WISC also helped arrange a visit to another school to observe good practice.

Any queries we have had have always been dealt with promptly by Emma.

As a school I feel the WISC membership has aided us to be up to date with the latest news and information, which in turn has helped enhance our school. The recent workshop on anti-racism was very beneficial and thought provoking.

Thank you WISC!

The annual conference is something that my colleague and I look forward to every year.

As it’s delivered at the beginning of the academic year, it provides you with excellent preparation and encouragement for the upcoming year.The topics covered are wide ranging and always relevant.

The attendance of Estyn is very beneficial and helpful as they go over different topics.

The atmosphere is always welcoming and WISC are always on hand to help with any questions. The sponsors are varied in their expertise and there is a good balance of information available.
Last but not least, the food is delicious!