We are over the moon to announce that York based charity Big Futures Foundation has agreed partnerships with Tang Hall Primary School and Haxby Road Primary Academy in York.
The two-year pilot programme will start in January 2018 and BFF will work with approximately 40 children and their families from the schools over that period. BFF will provide the children with the emotional wellbeing support and life skills development needed for success in their education, work and personal lives from age 5 right through to when they go to work.
Claire Douglas, Chair of BFF Trustees board said;
“BFF is a new charity with ambitious plans for all the children and families involved in our programmes. It’s a very exciting time as we start work in our first schools. To be able to help children in our local community to make good progress in their education, against the odds, is a real honour. York has some of the worst statistics in the country for the attainment gap at GCSE and A-Level between children from disadvantaged backgrounds compared to children who aren’t disadvantaged. We’re determined to close the gap and see the kids have a big future and build a great life. The staff, children and parents of Tang Hall Primary and Haxby Road Primary Academy are excellent partners for us and we’re thoroughly looking forward to working with them over the next 6 years.”
Zoe Lightfoot, Head Teacher of Haxby Road Primary School said;
“Haxby Road Primary Academy is very proud to be part of such a new and innovative pilot project. We are passionate about making a difference for our children and families so the opportunity to work with BFF to support our families, enabling them to secure the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate life, is a fantastic opportunity. We are excited to be able to work together: building academic resilience, sharing new opportunities and experiences to ensure we diminish the difference between children at risk of disadvantage and all children. Providing a joined-up service – working hand in hand with community partnerships, businesses, existing services and vulnerable families – is crucial in changing life outcomes. BFF gets this and we cannot wait to be working together to help all our children reach for the stars.”
About Big Futures Foundation (BFF): BFF is a charity based in York and supports children from disadvantaged communities from age 5 right through school and through post 18 education to when they start work. They help children and their families with their emotional wellbeing, resilience and life skills. Their goal is to help all children, no matter their background, reach their potential in the classroom and the workplace.
About Haxby Road Primary Academy: Haxby Road Primary Academy is a primary school situated just ten minutes from the centre of York which serves approximately 265 children from the ages of two to eleven. It has a Tiny Steps Academy for two-year olds, a Nursery within the Early Years Foundation Stage and an Enhanced Resource Provision for children with speech, language and communication needs as well as an autism classroom from September 2017. Haxby Road has served the local community for over 100 years. In 2014, it became an academy which enabled greater flexibility in what can be provided for children, ensuring that decisions are made with the needs of children and their families at heart. As part of Ebor Academy Trust; Haxby Road follows the values of Excellence, Belonging, Opportunity and Respect.
About Tang Hall Primary Academy: Tang Hall Primary Academy is vibrant, inclusive and very determined to provide the best opportunities for the 200 children of Tang Hall and neighbouring areas that attend. Respect is at the heart of everything the school does. The school is a unique blend of traditional values and innovative, creative, educational practice.