It’s now been almost two years since I joined Oasis, and in that time, I’ve experienced more special, serendipitous moments than I ever imagined. Some have become forever moments in my career, including bringing my WomenEd chapter to life through the Building on Barbie Leadership Project, achieving Good with elements of Outstanding nine months into my Deputy Headship at Oasis Academy Woodview, and developing a Reading Approach that truly gives children equitable access to literacy and language.

Reading is the heartbeat of my practice, and my leadership of it has grown beyond anything I expected.

Being part of Oasis has strengthened my voice and fortified my values. This is a community that listens, lives through the Oasis Nine Habits, and allows you to see the very best in people through curriculum, collaboration and genuine care.

Nearly two years in, I’ve evolved as a Deputy Principal in ways I am deeply proud of. My strategic thinking has sharpened, and I’ve learned to translate heart‑driven vision into everyday practice. Our collaboration with OneWorld is just one example of how Oasis creates limitless opportunities for staff and children to learn, grow and thrive. The coaching and CPD are both grounding and energising.

One of the most profound parts of my journey has been becoming a Designated Safeguarding Lead - a role I never imagined for myself, yet now one of the most meaningful. The DSL network across Oasis is humane, honest and heart led. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child has always been my compass and remains central to my determination that every child receives an education they can see themselves in and engage with critically.

I feel I’ve truly grown into the leader I hoped to be. I’m responsible not only for children’s life chances, but also for the wellbeing, performance and growth of an incredible team. Watching them step into their potential has been the greatest joy of my leadership:

·         Our Early Years Lead, flourishing and recognising her worth.

·         Our KS1 Assistant Principal, growing rapidly into a strategic leader.

·         Our Deputy DSL, a bright, inspiring presence in our community.

·         Our SENDCo, who embodies inclusion, communication and care.

Leadership, to me, is helping others see their brilliance - and celebrating their success every step of the way.

I still feel I have so much to give, and I’m grateful to now serve as National Curriculum Lead for Early Reading. I’ve never dimmed my passion, and Oasis has taught me that I never need to. When you’re surrounded by colleagues who value your knowledge and champion your worth, you grow - in purpose, passion and potential.

This HerStory Month, we welcome colleagues to our second women’s event, Together She Leads on Friday 27^th March. Together we lead - as women, as educators and as humans.

Humanity is woven through everything we do at Oasis, and I’m proud every day to be part of a community that nurtures it so deeply.

Kiran Satti is Deputy Principal at Oasis Academy Woodview and National Curriculum Lead – Early Reading