The bestofhaverhill will hold its next business meeting on Thursday 20th September at The Days Inn, Haverhill, from 10am to 11.30am. We continue our theme of “wanting the best for Haverhill” with our guest speaker June McNaughton, governor at Samuel Ward Academy and co-ordinator of the bid for the Haverhill Free Special School.

June will talk about the successful bid process for the Churchill Free School that was approved by the Secretary of State in July following a presentation to the Department for Education in May. June will talk about the motivation behind the bid; outline the next steps in the process, which should see the new school opening its doors in September 2013, why this facility was needed in Haverhill and the benefits for the town.

The Churchill Free School will open with 15-20 pupils but will eventually cater for up to 70 children from 8 to 18 years of age.

Elaine Carr, owner of thebestofhaverhill comments, “The opening of a Free School offering special educational needs provision in Haverhill may not seem like a relevant topic for local businesses. However I believe there are some interesting lessons to be learnt from the way Samuel Ward Academy approached this project, lessons that can be applied to our businesses.

The team at Samuel Ward are always keen to pursue opportunities and do so with dedication and passion. When they initially submitted their bid it was very speculative. They had identified a need in the local community and researched a way that need could be met and funded.

June McNaughton and Howard Lay, the principal of Samuel Ward Academy, pulled the bid together under a very tight deadline hoping to use the bid this year as a learning curve. They wanted to get some feedback from the Department for Education to incorporate into a bid for 2013.

The team were surprised and delighted to be successful with their application this year. That success can be attributed to the commitment, professionalism and passion of the team. I think they are a shining example of what can be achieved with the right attitude. I am looking forward to hearing about the bid process and the benefits this new school will bring to Haverhill families.”

If you would like to attend this free event at The Days Inn Haverhill please call Elaine Carr on 01440 710 158 or email Haverhill@thebestof.co.uk by Tuesday 18th September.

The event is open to any local organisations; you do not have to be a member of the bestofhaverhill to attend.