Impact statement:

The commitment to work with parents is evident across the whole academy. Distributed leadership is well embedded and as a result, all staff contribute to the development of strong relationships with parents. The importance of this is one of the academy’s core values. Induction and transition arrangements are comprehensive. The academy’s approach is bespoke and there is a focus on reducing any anxieties students or their wider family may have. The academy has developed effective forms of communication. Leaders have provided training for staff focusing on ‘good models for conversations’ and how to support parents when sensitive issues need to be discussed. Key impacts include but not limited to:

• Parents are extremely grateful to staff team who are very approachable and helpful. Parental involvement which is evolving into true engagement has gone from strength to strength.
• Students genuinely appreciate the support and guidance provided by the staff. Students know there is always a trusted adult to turn when they had any worries or concerns.
• Parents know staff genuinely care about the whole family. One parent, reflecting on her experiences whilst her son has attended the academy, stated, ‘…it’s more like a family – they are not just teachers, they will help you with everything.’
• Staff are constantly reviewing their practice and are determined to continue to strengthen their partnership with parents. There is clear evidence of this. For example, the number of parents coming to the leavers’ assembly has increased, demonstrating the impact of how the academy has worked with the parent body.
• Over time, the positive work of the academy, and its positive contribution to the immediate community, has been recognised by parents and those who live in the locality.
   

Head teacher comments:
'The LPPA process has supported us in our school improvement priority to ensure we are doing all we can to support and engage parents as partners in their child’s learning. The process has encouraged us to reflect, refine and enhance our offer of support to ensure from admission to transition, our families receive the best possible support.'
Todd Cheetham