London South East Academies Trust and London South East Colleges have welcomed the Government’s Strategic Advisor on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Dame Christine Lenehan DBE, to three of their Bromley schools and FE College
The visit took place to showcase the specialist education expertise of Bromley Beacon Academy (Orpington and Bromley sites), Bromley Trust Academy (Hayes), and London South East Colleges’ Bromley campus – helping to inform the Government’s national review of SEND, which is currently being undertaken.
Leaders of the schools and college highlighted the importance of high quality SEND provision in both mainstream and specialist settings. They shared insight into how best to support children and young people to succeed and progress, particularly those with Social, Mental and Emotional Health needs.
The visit began at Bromley Beacon Academy’s Orpington site, at which every child (age 5-13) has an EHCP for SEMH needs. Here, Dame Christine heard from pupils about how the school has supported them to feel safe, understood and able to learn.
The visit then moved onto Bromley Trust Academy (Hayes campus), an Alternative Provision supporting 11–16-year-olds who are unable to access mainstream education. Leaders discussed the funding challenges facing AP with Dame Christine – including the importance of Education Health Care Plans being for many children who need specialist support.
Dame Christine met with parents and carers at Bromley Beacon Academy's Bromley site, which is for pupils aged 14-19 with SEMH. They spoke powerfully about how their children had become ‘different people’ thanks to the support and high aspirations of the school. Leaders gave Dame Christine a tour of the school, showcasing it motorbike and construction workshops, part of a unique vocational and career-focused curriculum offer for pupils.
Finally, Dame Christine toured London South East Colleges’ Bromley campus, meeting staff and students in specialist SEND provision and across vocational areas including catering and horticulture. Students spoke about their personal journeys and the support that had helped them thrive – from behaviour mentors to tailored timetables – and called on the Government for greater mental health provision for young people.
Reflecting on her visit, Dame Christine Lenehan said:
“What I saw across these schools and the college was outstanding practice – staff who are passionate and deeply committed, and young people who feel safe, supported and that they belong. SEMH is too often misunderstood and treated as the poor relation in education, but here I saw what it looks like when provision is at its very best. The relationships built with students and families are remarkable, and it is clear that this culture of trust runs through the whole organisation.”
“We were delighted to welcome Dame Christine to our schools and to share the lived experiences of our pupils, parents and staff. Alternative Provision and SEMH education are crucial parts of the system and we need national policy and accountability frameworks that reflect this. Our schools provide personal curricula for every child, ensuring they have the skills for life, work and further learning, and we are proud that this year we have achieved 0% NEET outcomes.“We are proud to showcase our schools in this way and very much appreciate the opportunity to help inform policy-making – with the aim of improving education for all”
"Dame Christine’s visit has shone a light on the difference high-quality specialist provision makes for many young people with SEND – but also the challenges schools and colleges face. If reforms are to succeed, policymakers must listen to the lived experience of pupils, parents and practitioners.“We are delighted to share our own expertise and best practice to help shape a SEND system that invests in teachers, increases pastoral care and ensures every child can access the right support at the right time in the right place."
Bromley schools and college welcome Government SEND adviser to showcase excellence
