Trinity Academy Newcastle: Celebrating a landmark achievement in trauma-informed education!
We are thrilled to share some truly momentous news from Trinity Academy Newcastle Multi Academy Trust! In a testament to unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, the Trust has officially achieved full Trauma-Informed Multi Academy Trust status – a significant milestone that underscores their commitment to providing an inclusive, relationship-based specialist education for all learners.
This incredible journey began in 2022 with the remarkable strategic foresight of former CEO, Bill Curley. He envisioned a profound, systemic, and transformational change, setting the ambitious goal for Trinity Academy Newcastle to achieve Trauma-Informed status by 2025.
A comprehensive audit marked a turning point
The initial steps involved a crucial alignment of the Executive and Senior Leadership Team. A pivotal appointment followed with Karl Elliott stepping into the role of dedicated Parenting and Mental Health Lead. Karl’s commitment was clear: to ensure comprehensive pastoral support, effective interventions, and positive interactions for every single learner across the Trust.
By February 2023, with a new CEO and leadership team at the helm, a comprehensive audit marked a turning point…
They were incredibly proud when the Trust secured the prestigious Trauma Informed Schools Award for its Post 16 & 19 provisions and the specialist Sanctuary provision, specifically designed to support learners who have experienced significant trauma.
Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence
Guided by the expert recommendations of TISUK, a robust action plan was set in motion for the remaining academies. The focus was clear: enhance pastoral structures, refine policies, and cultivate a school environment where students genuinely feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn.
This period also saw Karl’s well-deserved promotion to Trust Principal Adviser for Mental Health and Trauma, alongside targeted developmental initiatives to further strengthen their approach.
Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence and improving outcomes for all learners, the Trust undertook significant efforts to overhaul pastoral care. This included introducing a new relational behavioural policy, refining their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to better meet staff needs, and enhancing physical environments across classrooms, corridors, and outdoor spaces to foster a genuine sense of safety for our learners.
Crucially, initiatives to support staff well-being and strengthen engagement with parents/caregivers were also prioritised, recognising that challenges often extend beyond the learner and require a truly whole-community approach.
A vibrant celebration of this shared achievement
The profound success of this vision has been undeniably driven by the collective commitment of staff at every level. Their dedication to building a culture rooted in compassion, understanding, and physiological safety has had a truly transformative impact on learners, families, and the wider community.
This recognition as a fully Trauma-Informed Multi Academy Trust is not just an award; it’s a vibrant celebration of this shared achievement and a powerful reflection of their ongoing dedication to inclusive, relationship-based specialist education.
The Board of Directors proudly stated: “We are proud and delighted to announce that Trinity Academy Newcastle Multi Academy Trust has been awarded Trauma Informed school status by Trauma Informed Schools UK.
“The award recognises that Trinity Academy Newcastle Multi Academy Trust is able to effectively support learners who suffer with trauma or mental health problems and who’s challenging presentation acts as a barrier to learning”.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, commented: “This is an outstanding achievement by Trinity Academy Newcastle. Their dedication to becoming a Trauma-Informed Trust demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs of their learners and sets a powerful example for other schools in our region. This work is vital in ensuring all young people feel safe and supported to thrive.”
What an inspiring journey for Trinity Academy Newcastle! We’re eager to hear how this achievement will continue to shape the lives of young earners.
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