Here we are: the spring term has been and gone and the summer term is underway (with Becton returning next week). The Government ‘road map’ out of lockdown is continuing to go to plan, and I’m sure I’m not the only Nexus MAT employee waiting on the return of international travel! Despite two weeks of extreme weather with glorious sun, high wind, rain and snow during the Easter break (for most of us), this month’s briefing is brimming with only good news. Firstly, I’d like to welcome Natalie Swearman to the full time role of interim Head of School at Coppice, a role she has been doing part-time since January as she has been completing a handover with Linda Allison, who retired last term. Nat has worked at Coppice for a number of years now and will personally bring stability and consistency to these interim leadership arrangements.

I am also pleased to share the news that, before the Easter break , Viki Drew was appointed permanently to the role of Head of School at Bader Academy. Viki had been on secondment at Bader since October, and her appointment brings certainty and security to our new academy’s leadership team, as we continue to grow the school in its first year of opening.

I’d like to extend two huge congratulations to Abbey for achieving the Gold Standard Anti Bullying award and the Gold Standard for Healthy Schools. Jess Tapp played a key role in securing both of these accolades: well done Jess, and the whole Abbey team! Another big congratulations goes to Kelford, for getting a ‘highly commended’ in the UK Parliament awards. Joanne Pedelty led much of this work, and we’re all very proud of the acclaim that Kelford have received for this.

I am both proud and excited to tell you all about one of our very latest development projects, at The Bridge. This is a new, co-located SEND offer and Multi-Agency Hub of excellence with the intention that sixth form pupils from North Ridge, Heatherwood and Coppice are based there from September 2021. Pennine View will also be placing some Key Stage 4 pupils there. Significant community enterprise projects such as a café, forest school, Independent Travel Training base and employment office are currently being developed in collaboration with the Doncaster Opportunities Area team and the Doncaster Careers Hub, as well as other SEND schools in the area. The Bridge will also be able to offer itself as a venue for events, meetings, training and other fairs.

The focus will be on progressive learning, work/employment and societal inclusion and visibility: facilitated by the creation of these exciting partnership projects. A key concept will be around showcasing to employers and the community the strengths, skills and abilities of our amazing young people.

I will keep you posted on developments! Have a great April, everyone!