Leader of new academy in Spalding for vulnerable children and young people promotes its policy of 'needs-led education

The leader of a new school in Spalding for vulnerable young people has given reassurances ahead of its opening next year.

Speaking to the Spalding Guardian, Phil Willott called his role as executive principal of Springwell Alternative Academy Spalding as a chance to show young people currently outside of mainstream education in a "better light".

Mr Willott revealed that the school was currently education 63 children and young people aged four to 16 at a temporary site in Boston while the Department for Education look to resolve a "contractual issue" with builders brought in to refurbish the former South Holland Post 16 Centre in Matmore Gate.

"Anything like this is quite complex, but there's nothing sinister and we're still on course to open in January 2020, at the latest," Mr Willott said.

"Between our academies in Spalding and Grantham, we will support young people in the south of Lincolnshire on a needs-led basis, using lots of restorative practice.

"For one reason or another, these young people need a little more support than can be provided at a mainstream school.

"That can either be where a permanent exclusion has been put in place when we'll work with the local authority to look for more suitable, long-term educational provision or where a child is placed with us for a number of weeks while we look at what things might be in place for them before returning to a mainstream school."

Mr Willott pledged to work with other schools in Spalding, as well as the wider community, to resolve concerns about traffic congestion in Matmore Gate.

"A lot of the concerns are to do with the unknown and so my idea is to work with community as best we can so they can see the young people in a better light," Mr Willott said.

"We're planning to meet with residents to update them about the academy."

Previously...

Jobs advertised as controversial plans for new school in Spalding move forward

Delay to opening new special school in Spalding is 'unacceptable', admits Government

MP resigned to new academy opening in Spalding

Education leader’s frustration over delay in opening Spalding special school

New school is planned for Spalding’s former Post-16 Centre site

Councillor hits back at criticism over Spalding school plans

New Spalding school plan under fire