Letters – Thanks to all those who responded

In the final weeks of 2017 a consultation exercise took place to receive feedback from the local community about a plan to develop four new schools for vulnerable young people not in education in mainstream schools.

I’d like to thank everyone who responded and attended the open events. We received more than 100 formal responses and we have now published the Public Consultation Report which can be found at http://wellspring.wellspringacademysites.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/04/Consultation-Report-March-18-Springwell-Lincolnshire-Final-Version.pdf. We have made every attempt to address all concerns raised throughout this engagement process.

I understand the points raised by residents and welcome the feedback.

I would like to reassure that, together with colleagues throughout Lincolnshire, Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to providing a caring, nurturing environment and the best possible education for some of the most vulnerable, challenged and challenging young people in the county.

We are determined that after receiving our support, our students move on to their next destination having felt known, valued, understood and educated. Whatever that pathway is, be it back into mainstream school or into work or training, we are determined that our students have gained valuable personal and social skills that aid them to make a positive contribution as citizens in Lincolnshire.

Wellspring Academy Trust, which operates schools across the north of England, has a track record of outstanding academies and a strong reputation for excellence in specialist education. Our restorative and developmental approach was one of the reasons the Trust was referenced as a “model of inclusiveness” in a recent Parliamentary Select Committee session. We are passionate about our approach to making a difference and are proud of the track record we are establishing.

I appreciate that there has been a lot of discussion around the proposed schools, suitability of sites and shortage of mainstream education places in Lincolnshire. Any perceived shortage of mainstream places is a separate matter on which I am unable to comment. It is my hope that the published Consultation Report will address residents’ apprehensions and make clear the fact that funding for Springwell Lincolnshire Academy is ring-fenced by the government and no funding is being diverted from mainstream schools.

The proposed new schools will not compete with existing mainstream schools but will provide specialist provision, essentially supporting the local schools system. The schools are proposed to be located in each quadrant of the county, thereby reducing the need for children to travel long distances to school.

As a Trust that is committed to supporting the needs of all young people in education, we welcome the support of the local communities in which we operate. We understand the challenges and sometimes frustration of everyone, everywhere who lives close to a school and welcome the tolerance, patience and understanding that school neighbours everywhere show. For our part, we will always do our utmost to be considerate and respectful neighbours.

Mark Wilson
CEO Wellspring Academy Trust