Swindon School trust shortlisted for inclusivity award

The Park Academies Trust, which runs six schools in Swindon, has been shortlisted for an Inclusive Award at this year’s Multi Academy Trust Excellence Awards.

The Inclusive Award category is designed to highlight those trusts which offer specialist or innovative support to students whatever their ability.     

The work of the School of Solutions, a pioneering therapeutic programme within the trust, has been gaining national recognition and has been featured on Channel 4 News and in The Times newspaper. 

Last year the trust won in the Wellbeing category at the awards. The judges all commended the long-term, sustainable approach of the trust, with its focus on children, families and staff. 

They noted that “...effective working with outside agencies is making a real difference, and there is depth and substance to mental health provision.”

The awards give trusts across the UK the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of their schools, pupils and staff and the positive impact they have on their local community. The awards ceremony will be held later this year. 

James Nicholson, Interim CEO at The Park Academies Trust, said: ”We’re so proud of the inspiring work of staff and pupils which has been instrumental in being shortlisted at this year’s Multi Academy Excellence Awards. 

"Our unique integrated therapeutic Alternative Provision allows young people to remain in mainstream lessons, in mainstream schools and that’s been key to us being recognised in this particular awards category. 

"I’m so pleased that the award will raise awareness of the importance of inclusivity in schools and the work we do to help all our students feel supported and valued.” 

David Williams, Director of Inclusion at the trust, said: ”I’m thrilled that the innovative work we do to make all our schools inclusive is being recognised at such a prestigious national event. 

"At the trust, we promote the idea of the ‘whole child’ to encourage our pupils to develop into productive and happy individuals. It’s such an important part of education and vital in supporting all the academic study and exams.”