East Anglia Summer Boat Party 2025

​On Wednesday 2nd July, once the pupils had gone home, the cover bookings for Thursday had been filled, the phones had gone silent and the computers were switched off, the East Anglia branch was still a hive of activity.

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​With the “festival” theme of the day done (expertly, if I say so myself!), away went the wigs, flower crowns and 70s headbands, and in came our gladrags! We were getting ready to welcome our teachers, support staff, and some of our school's or a Broads adventure – our little way of saying “thank you” for their hard work this year. 

With Sonia, Chantelle and James leading the charge, making their way to meet with our North Norfolk teachers ahead of time, and Jamie, Alex and I following with those who were joining us on the coach, we all made our way to the Southern Comfort paddleboat in Horning.

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It was fantastic to see a mix of old and new faces join us for the evening. Some of our companions had been working with us for years and years, while others had only begun their Step Teachers journeys in the last few months. 

Once we had all arrived, everyone was provided with a glass of orange juice or Bucks Fizz, and a token for another drink of their choice during the trip, and once we’d done the obligatory register, off we went! 

Chantelle was fantastic at raising awareness of our Charity for this year, Young Minds, and we had a “Find the Treasure!” hunt, of which 50% of the proceeds went to Young Minds and 50% was given to the winner. Ivan was very pleased with his victory, and £57 was donated to Young Minds. Well done, and thank you, to everyone who bought a square (or more)!

As we sailed down the Norfolk Broads, out towards St Benet’s Abbey – the only Monastery in England to not be dissolved by Henry VIII during the Reformation, still sanctified each year by the Bishop of Norwich, who sails down each summer by historic Norfolk Wherry – the boat was abuzz with conversation. Teachers and support staff shared their stories with each other of schools visited, work done and all the similarities and differences they’d experienced. It was great to see seasoned professionals providing insight and support to their newer colleagues, and friendships being formed. 

There was a delicious ploughman’s buffet served by the crew of the Southern Comfort, with a selection of cheeses, fruits, breads, crackers, pickles and chutneys. Judging by what little was left at the end, it seemed to go down a treat!

We were thrilled to get the chance to speak with our teachers and support staff face-to-face; we are usually voices on the end of the phone, or names at the end of text messages, so to be able to sit, speak and share with those who joined us was invaluable. Having a chance to take a little more time to hear about how they have found working with us, and how they have found the schools they have worked in, is incredibly useful. It is always good to hear first-hand how we have made an impact, but also to hear what we could be doing to be even better! 

The team really enjoyed the positive vibe and atmosphere. It was great to see everyone connecting with one another, and some just enjoying the tranquillity and beauty of the Norfolk Broads; as one of our teachers said, “we really are lucky to live in such a beautiful place”. Seeing everyone getting up to dance and party the night away as we neared the dock was fantastic, we even spotted some of the neighbours raving as we passed! 

For all of us, though, the best part was being able to say a massive “thank you” to everyone for their effort and determination. Speaking to one teacher who told me about how supply work had brought back her love for the career, and helped her find a home school that was supportive and welcoming, was truly wonderful. It means so much to us to hear of the ways supply work has improved the mental health and wellbeing of those who work with us. 

As 2024-2025 draws to an end, it was a summer’s evening full of optimism, paving the way for 2025-2026.