Millwall Community Trust (MCT) showcased its expanding education provision at the annual Lewisham Joint SENCO Forum, held at Lewisham Council’s Civic Suite on 16 June.
The event brought together SENCOs and education professionals from across the borough, providing an opportunity for the Trust’s Education Department to showcase its education offer and discuss how schools can access targeted support to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Representing the Trust were Education & Employability Manager John Scarborough, Premier League Primary Stars Officer Jamie Murray, Alternative Provision Academy Officer Sam Scott and Premier League Inspires Mentor Reece Endicott.
The presentation highlighted the Trust’s three flagship education programmes, which support pupils across primary, secondary, specialist and alternative provision settings.
Premier League Inspires supports secondary students to build confidence, develop essential life skills and explore positive future pathways.
Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of football to engage primary pupils in curriculum learning, physical activity and personal development.
The Alternative Provision Academyprovides personalised education for young people who require additional support to re engage with learning, improve engagement and achieve positive outcomes.
A highlight of the event was Reece Endicott sharing his personal journey. Having previously been a student within the Trust’s Alternative Provision programme, Reece spoke about the challenges he faced, the support he received and how those experiences helped him progress into employment as a Premier League Inspires Mentor.
His journey demonstrated the long term impact of Millwall Community Trust’s education pathways and the life changing opportunities available when young people are given the right support.
The forum also enabled the Education Department to strengthen relationships with schools across Lewisham, raise awareness of its education offer and explore future partnership opportunities.
John Scarborough, MCT’s Education & Employability Manager, said: “We were delighted to be invited to present at the Lewisham Joint SENCO Forum and showcase the breadth of Millwall Community Trust’s education offer.
“Whilst many people naturally associate Millwall with football, our Education Department delivers far more than sport.
“Through Premier League Primary Stars, Premier League Inspires and our Alternative Provision Academy, we provide high quality education programmes that support children and young people across a wide range of education settings.
“Our education interventions help pupils develop confidence, resilience, aspirations, qualifications and the personal skills needed to achieve their potential. Events such as this are invaluable in demonstrating the educational impact of our work and how we can support schools.
“Reece’s journey from our Alternative Provision programme, through our Youth Employability Hub and now into his current role as a Premier League Inspires Mentor, is a powerful example of what can be achieved when young people are given the right education, support and opportunities.”
MCT’s Premier League Inspires Officer Eve van’t Hoff added: “Supporting and presenting at the SENCO Forum allows us to connect with so many education professionals and share how our programmes are helping young people overcome barriers, achieve in education and realise their potential.”
Jamie Murray, MCT Premier League Primary Stars Officer, said: “The SENCO Forum gave us a fantastic opportunity to showcase our education programmes and the positive impact they are having across Lewisham schools. We look forward to building new partnerships and supporting even more pupils through our education offer.”
Elizabeth Anne O’Dwyer, SEND Adviser at Lewisham Council, added: “We were delighted to welcome Millwall Community Trust to the annual Lewisham Joint SENCO Forum and learn more about its education programmes.
“The presentation highlighted the positive impact these programmes are having in supporting children and young people with SEND, particularly in building confidence, developing essential life skills and promoting inclusion.
“There was a strong message that Millwall Community Trust’s education offer is not just for boys and not just for those interested in sport. It is an inclusive provision designed to support all young people.
“John, Sam, Jamie and Reece delivered an inspiring presentation and we look forward to continuing our partnership to improve outcomes for children and young people across Lewisham.”
For further information about Millwall Community Trust’s Education Department or to discuss how your school can access its education programmes, please contact: John Scarborough, Education & Employability Manager: [email protected]
