Welcoming Great People! Induction Booklet 2026-2027
A WELCOME FROM THE CEO OF THE AtC MULTI ACADEMY TRUST Collaboration not competition is what makes schools stronger and you are joining a Multi Academy Trust built on collaborative partnership. At Achievement through Collaboration - we do what it says on the tin! We collaborate to achieve. We collaborate because we believe that every child has the right to a powerful education, an education that they value and are proud of, an education that can genuinely shape a positive future for themselves and for society. We collaborate because we know that education has the power to transform lives for the better. We collaborate because we know that meaningful collaboration between professionals and between schools can accelerate the positive impact a great education can have. AtC wants to connect our pupils, staff and schools. We want to share expertise. We want to create new value in the educational landscape. We want as many pupils as possible to have an education that they can look back on and say “that served me well, and was pivotal to who I have been able to become.” Welcome to AtC and I look forward to seeing the difference you’ll make!
Jane Chambers CEO
TRUST INFORMATION At AtC we... Achieve - we ensure all pupils have the knowledge, skills and character to shape future success for themselves and their world.
Belong - we are individual schools united through common purpose and shared values
Collaborate - we share good
Achievement means we place value on
We value the identities, heritage and cultures of each of our children, adults and schools building a culture of belonging where
Collaboration is built upon nurturing, respectful relationships with each other and the environment that puts children first.
fully developing each child’s potential, recognising and valuing all learning. We are inclusive and strive for equity for every child. Achievement means that our pupils, enabled through powerful knowledge and empowered through transformational competencies, are equipped to overcome any barrier to a successful future. Achievement means our pupils are prepared for life in modern Britain, that they lead fulfilling lives and remain
individuals and groups flourish and contribute to each other’s successful future. Our values and purpose, codify how we work together. They ensure that schools retain the individuality to serve their different communities whilst also demonstrating that
practice, providing opportunity for our children, staff and communities.
Through collaboration we mobilise the best research and evidence to focus relentlessly on knowledge-building so that every staff member in every school is as good as they can be in what they do and how they do it.
they work in trust with the other members of Achievement through Collaboration.
Effective collaboration draws upon the diversity within the trust to overcome the barriers of bias, stereotype and
Those who lead and govern communicate the Trust’s values and purpose through their service to schools and their communities.
discrimination, building cohesive communities
lifelong learners
Their behavioural norms define what it is to belong to Achievement through Collaboration.
Our Values
Our Strategic Plan
All members of AtC are expected to display our values. Our values are the golden thread woven through our service to our pupils, our communities and each other.
The objectives of our strategic plan encompass our following priorities: High Quaility Education: Ensuring all pupils, regardless of background, have access to a rich curriculum, high-quality teaching, and strong attainment outcomes. School Improvment: Establishing a collaborative, evidenceinformed approach across all schools. Workforce- investing in staff development, building a posititive working culture.
RESPECT ASPIRATION
NURTURE RESILIENCE
INTEGRITY
INNOVATION
All staff at Achievement through Collaboration Trust act with respect and integrity; they take their duty to serve their schools and communities seriously, collaborating with each other so that all achievement is recognised and everyone can thrive. Innovation and aspiration inform our constant drive to improve; our staff are forward thinking and courageous, they have high ambitions for our pupils and are resilient in overcoming any barriers that may prevent those ambitions from being met. Nurturing relationships enable and empower our staff to be tenacious in ensuring equity for all.
Finance and Operations: Maintaining robust financial planning, effective operational systems, and safe, efficient management of estates and resources. Governace and Leadership: Implementing ethical, transparent, and skilled leadership and governance, which ensures strong accountability to the public and aligns with AtC’s mission.
ABOUT ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH COLLABORATION MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST Our approach is based on integrity, avoiding the common pitfalls and prioritising the needs of the pupils in every member academy and the communities we serve. We aim to empower our member schools with earned autonomy – giving Governors and school leaders the support they require to shape their school, whilst standards remain high. We share proven methods amongst our members, and provide support when standards fall below the thresholds set. Our focus always remains on the well-being of every pupil, and their contribution to the community. We will help you to develop the full potential of your pupils and staff, and create a unique pupil offer with local relevance. Bowland High Bowland is a unique school and a number of factors combine to make it so. Visitors to the school cannot fail to be impressed by the attitudes of our pupils. The friendly and supportive atmosphere in school is, to a large degree, due to the friendly, positive nature of the pupils. Roseacre Primary Academy Roseacre Primary Academy foster a shared vision of “Excellence for All – Excellence from All”, encouraging every child and adult to give their best and to expect the best in return. The ethos of the academy is evident as you walk around the school, take in the displays, soak up the atmosphere and speak to children and staff. Thames Primary Academy & Nursery Thames Primary Academy take pride in developing outstanding teaching and learning by holding the highest expectations of all pupils and knowing the children well. Thames Primary challenge all children to strive for academic, creative, sporting and personal accomplishment within a broad, vibrant and enriched curriculum. Witton Park Academy Witton Park is for children aged 11–16. It is within the boundary of Witton Country Park, to the west of Blackburn. Our ultra- modern school building allows our pupils to flourish. Community First Academy Trust (joined 01 February 2025) bringing Platt Bridge Community School & Nursery, Kingsbridge EIP SCITT and two trading companies CFAT Facilities Ltd and CFAT Superheroes Ltd. Hindley Junior & Infant School, a non-denominational community primary, were welcomed to the Trust on 01 May 2026 and firmly live by their motto of “Believe & Achieve”.
Bowland Thames Roseacre
Witton Park
Central Office
Hindley Platt Bridge
Rewarding Great People! Our employee portal is called MySAM (operated by SAM People). This is where you can access your payslips, request leave of absence, submit expenses and view policies and contract documentation. To activate your account please follow the link that has been sent to your work email address (or click on the link below). Please do this as soon as possible and check and update your personal information and bank details to ensure that these are correct ready for your first salary payment. Your contract of employment should be available under the My Activity section of your MySAM account. If you haven't received your contract of employment by your first day of employment please contact peopleservices@atctrust.org.uk as a matter of urgency. Trustwide People Policies are available under the We Engage section of your MySAM account and you're encouraged to familiarise yourself with these important documents. Please review the My Profile section on your MySAM account and ensure that this is correct and updated where necessary. You can make changes to the My Profile (orange section) on a self-service basis. Any questions about the contract details (blue section) should be raised with Operations Managers in the first instance. If queries remain these should be raised with peopleservices@atctrust.org.uk.
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Supporting Great People! At AtC we put children at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that to do that we have to look after our staff and ensure wellbeing support is in place. As part of this commitment all new starters are automatically registered for a health plan with Simply Health which is funded by the Trust and includes both emotional support via counselling as well as a number of payback entitlements for dental, eyes, footcare, GP appointments, prescriptions etc. This really is a fantastic benefit so please do take the time to fully explore your entitlements. Keep an eye on your emails, your policy number will be sent directly to you. Then all you need to do is visit www.simplyehalth.co.uk/member-portal or download the Simply Health App to register. It’s as simple as that! NB. This is an employer-paid health insurance and is considered a 'benefit in kind' and therefore HMRC make a very slight adjustment to your tax code to reflect this benefit.
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Supporting Great People! Recognition of Continuous Service We value your experience. Previous continuous service with other local authorities and MATs is recognised, ensuring uninterrupted benefits with regards to annual leave, occupational sickness and maternity/paternity schemes etc. Please check your continuous service date has been recorded correctly in the My Profile section of your MySAM account.
Supportive Leave Policies We have a range of enhanced leave entitlements including annual leave, maternity, adoption and paid emergency time off for dependents as well as flexible working opportunities. Details are available under the We Engage section of your MySAM account.
Supportive Working Environment You’ve joined a family of great schools with welcoming, collaborative environments led by supportive Headteachers and senior leaders. This includes a commitment to personal and professional development with training and support for each staff member.
Staff Recognition Awards Be celebrated for your contributions through our appreciation awards which recognise staff who exemplify our core values: Achieve, Belong, Collaborate.
Wellbeing Support Access free confidential counselling and wellbeing support (emotional, financial & legal) 24/7 through our partnership with Simply Health.
Rewarding Great People! As your pension is one of the key benefits of joining AtC why not take the time to learn about what they offer?
Key pension Information (Teachers):
All eligible teaching staff are auto-enrolled into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Please ensure you register for My Pension Online (see below link) to make sure your information is up to date.
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Key pension Information (Support Staff): All eligible Support Staff are auto-enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme. For our Lancashire schools this is administered through Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA). For our Wigan schools this is administered through Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Please ensure you register on the secure online portal for the relevant scheme (see below links) to view your latest pension information, calculate your benefits or update your personal details.
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Developing Great People! Whether you’re interested in a traditional career pathway, looking at re-training or have fantastic creative ideas that need developing and exploring - we’re here for you. We want to retain our great people and it is our intention for you to have a fulfilling career. We have a development pipeline that includes: 1. National College (an online training resource) accounts for all staff. There are some mandatory training which you’ll be notified of and the rest is up to you to pick and choose what you want. 2.Opportunities to work with National Leaders of Education and Specialised Leaders of Education in both Primary & Secondary Schools. 3.Internal secondment opportunities across the Trust. 4.Accredited Teacher Training Programme (Kingsbridge) offering multiple pathways into the teaching profession. 5.Local CPD blocks that provide protected time specifically for staff development. 6.Apprenticeships. 7.Professional networks 8.Sabbaticals to allow time for formal study, research, professional qualifications or projects. Whatever your aspirations we’re always happy to have a conversation about your development and look to support you.
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Developing Great People! Kingsbridge EIP SCITT Our accredited Teacher Training Programme offers mutliple pathways into the teaching profession, including fee-paying, salaried and Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship routes, covering 3-7, 5-11 and 11-16 age phases. We are committed to supporting trainee teachers in their development, aligning with the Initial Training Early Careers Framework (ITTECF). By drawing on the best available evidence, we aim to enhance education outcomes, make a meaningful ompact on children’s learning and provide strong support of new teachers at the start of their careers. Achievement Through Collaboration Teacher Training, accredited by Kingsbridge EIP SCITT, is a fully immersive, school-centred programme - placing aspiring teachers in the classroom from day one. Whether you’re interested in Initial Teacher Training, or would like to explore how to get involved with mentoring our new teachers, for further information please see below contact details.
01254 686178 kingsbridge@atctrust.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions When is pay day? Payment is made into your bank on the last working day of the month. Please note that if you start after the 15th of the month your first salary may not be paid until the following month.
Travel expenses (including mileage) & additional hours should be submitted via My SAM at the time they occur. The payroll processing deadline for additional hours and mileage is the 5th of the month (this is the date of approval rather than submission). Claims that are approved after the 5th will be processed in the following month’s pay run.
If I have any holiday pre-booked what do I do? Please contact your Headteacher (or Deputy CEO Operations for Central Office) prior to commencement of employment of any pre-booked holiday.
Where should I send my P45? Please send directly to People Services - peopleservices@atctrust.org.uk.
What should I do if I am unexpectedly unable to attend work? You must contact your school (or line manager for Central Office staff) as soon as reasonably practicable to notify of any unexpected absence in line with your local procedure. Brief details of the reason for absence and, if possible, some indication of a likely return to work date should be given during this contact. Regular contact should be maintained during any absence from work. If the absence is due to sickness and exceeds 7 calendar days then a Statement of Fitness for Work from a GP is required.
What is the dress code? All staff are expected to maintain professional and appropriate dress. Some roles require staff to wear a particular uniform and/or safety equipment which you will be notified of during your induction.
Frequently Asked Questions What do I do in the event of an emergency? The emergency evacuation procedures are displayed in all buildings and will be fully explained during induction. If you may need additional assistance in the event of an emergency please advise your Operations Manager.
What are my hours of work? Hours of work are specified in Job Descriptions and Contracts of Employment.
What do I do if I need to attend a medical appointment? Where it has not been possible to arrange the appointment for outside of work time a leave request should be submitted via MySAM giving as much notice as reasonably practicable and submitting evidence of the medical appointment (with redactions if necessary).
How do I book annual leave ? The leave year runs from the 1st September - 31st August. For Support Staff who work all year round annual leave should be booked via MySAM.
Does the Trust have any any full closure periods? Yes, the Trust closes for one week during the December school closure period, the dates of which vary year upon year. The Trust offers two days’ paid discretionary leave which, along with the bank holidays, covers much of this closure. However, Support Staff are required to save up to three days of their annual leave entitlement for the remainder of this closure period (for term time only staff this is factored into your salary arrangements). You will be notified in advance of the number of days annual leave required for the holiday period for that year.
How do I know what standards are expected? The Trust’s Code of Conduct is available on the We Engage section of your My SAM account. This outlines the standards of conduct expected of all employees.
Our Shared Commitment: Keeping Children Safe At AtC Trust, safeguarding is the golden thread that runs through every aspect of our work. We believe that every child deserves a safe, supportive environment in which to learn and thrive, and this commitment is shared across our central Trust team and within every one of our individual settings. Your journey with us begins with a rigorous focus on safety. To ensure the integrity of our community, we maintain a robust safer recruitment process, ensuring that all necessary safeguarding checks are completed for every new staff member before they join our schools. Safeguarding is an evolving responsibility, not a one-time event. We are dedicated to your professional growth, providing high-quality, ongoing training and development. This ensures you are always equipped with the knowledge and confidence to carry out your duties in line with your professional role and the latest statutory guidance. Together, we maintain a culture of vigilance where the welfare of the child is always the priority. All staff must read, understand and follow their school’s Safeguarding Policy (copies are available on each school website). If you have any queries regarding this please contact your DSL (details available within school) Safeguarding concerns can be reported via the school’s reporting processes or via the link on each school’s website.
Our Shared Commitment: Your Digital Workspace
We believe that providing you with the right tools is essential for you to thrive in your new role. We are committed to empowering our staff with a robust, innovative, and secure digital entitlement package designed to streamline your workload, foster creativity, and support your day-to-day tasks.
Security & Expectations As we handle sensitive data and utilise cutting-edge technology, AtC Trust takes cyber security very seriously. Protecting our students, staff, and systems is a shared responsibility. Your Professional Responsibilities As a member of the AtC Trust family, it is an expectation that you review, understand, and adhere to our core digital guidelines. During your induction, you will be required to complete the following: 1. Read and sign the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP): This outlines the safe and professional use of all Trust devices and networks. 2. Review the Trust AI Policy: This ensures you are using tools like Gemini ethically, safely, and in a way that protects student data. 3. Complete your Cyber Security Certification: A brief, mandatory training module to equip you with the knowledge to spot phishing emails and online threats.
Robust Cyber Security & 2-Step Verification
Premium Software Suite Canva Premium for Education Say goodbye to basic presentations! Your Trust account includes a premium Canva license. You will have full access to high-quality images, professional templates, making it incredibly easy to create visually stunning and engaging resources.
Device: Chromebook
These devices are fast, secure, and designed to integrate seamlessly with our cloud-based systems.We celebrate neurodiversity and diverse working styles, which is why your Chromebook comes with a suite of powerful built-in accessibility tools ready to use.
Google for Education Plus
Full access to all premium Google Workspace for Education tools to elevate teaching, planning, and collaboration.
Gemini for Education Google's powerful AI assistant, built securely into your Workspace. Gemini is here to be your collaborative partner—helping you draft emails, brainstorm lesson ideas, summarise long documents, and create instructional materials in seconds.
IT related questions can be reported via ithelpdesk@atctrust.org.uk
To ensure our network remains impenetrable to cyber threats, 2-Step Verification (2SV) is mandatory for all staff. You will be required to authenticate your login when accessing your: AtC Trust Google Account Management Information System (MIS) Please Note: While 2SV takes an extra few seconds of your day, it is the single most effective way we protect our community from data breaches.
Joining a Trade Union We are committed to fostering a supportive, transparent and collaborative working environment for all our staff. We recognise the invaluable role that trade unions play in supporting education professionals and ensuring good employee relations and so Atc encourages you to become a union member. Of course, the choice to join, and which union you choose is completely up to you.
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AtC Central Office Useful Contacts Main Telephone Number - 01254 686178 IT Helpdesk - ithelpdesk@atctrust.org.uk Finance Team - finance@atctrust.org.uk People Services - peopleservices@atctrust.org.uk Estates - cgoulding@atctrust.org.uk Data Protection - dpo@feps.co.uk
It’s over to you! This booklet, your Job Description, Contract of Employment and the induction process are all intended to support you in acquiring the skills, knowledge and behaviours to become an effective contributor at Achievement Through Collaboration Trust but now it’s over to you! Make the most of the opportunity to understand Achievement Through Collaboration before you start in your new role. Build a strong working relationship with your manager by making the most of your onboarding check-ins, one to ones and informal feedback sessions. Consider how you can work most effectively with your buddy by taking the time to get to know them. Maximise your effectiveness and opportunities to collaborate in your role by communicating and working closely with your co-workers. Consider how your day-to-day actions fit in with AtC’s values and vision. Remember that asking questions is an indication of willingness to assimilate knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of our values. Provide honest feedback in your onboarding check-ins with your manager and, if required, with People Services (peopleservices@atctrust.org.uk). Take the opportunity to highlight any concerns or problems you have encountered during your check-ins and touchpoint discussions. Remember that your commitment to make the onboarding process work is as important as the work your co-workers and managers put in.
AtC Trust Unit 11/12, South Preston Village, Cuerden Way, Bamber Bridge Preston PR5 6BL Telephone: 01254 686178 Email: info@atctrust.org.uk