SAND Training and Outreach
Staff within our Trust schools have well developed expertise in a range of areas which, together with excellent facilities and resources, enables us to play a significant role in the network of services the Local Authority provides to meet the special educational needs of pupils in Gloucestershire.
We are also proud to work with an established network of both SEND and Mainstream Early Years, Primary and Secondary practitioners from across Gloucestershire and the South West, providing opportunities for both support and collaboration.
SAND Training & OutreachSAND Training & Outreach is a partner of both Odyssey Teaching School Hub and Balcarras Teaching School Hub. As well as being a member of the Strategic boards for each, our role is to support development and implementation of Initial Teacher Training (ITT), Early Career Framework (ECF) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) across Gloucestershire.
SAND Training & Outreach aims to not only provide training and support for our own Trust schools, but also to identify and co-ordinate expertise using best practitioners to:
- Play a greater role in recruiting and training new entrants to the profession (Initial Teacher Training)
- Lead peer-to-peer professional and leadership development (Continuing Professional Development)
- Identify and develop leadership potential through succession planning and talent management
- Provide support for other settings and parents / carers
Community groups and business
Many local businesses offer placement opportunities for our KS4 students as part of work experience programmes.
In addition, and to enhance the curriculum, Belmont has developed further links with companies and organisations, and arranges numerous visits for pupils throughout the year – for example to supermarkets, safety zone, the local court and places of worship.
St Christopher’s Church, in Warden Hill, hosts our annual Christmas Service and the Reverend Gary Grady is a regular visitor to the school, taking part in special assemblies and celebrations.
We are also delighted to work closely with community groups who use the Belmont site for inclusive activities out of school – including accessible cycling specialists Goals Beyond Grass.
In the meantime, Belmont continues to work closely with Gloucestershire County Council to provide respite care for SEND children during school holidays, and also runs a monthly drop-in session for families with children who have autism or autistic traits.
Charities and Fundraisers
We are always very grateful for the support of charitable organisations such as the Rotary Club, which offers much-needed support for school trips and events, and Wooden Spoon, which has made generous donations, helping to fund a large climbing frame for secondary pupils.
The Pied Piper Appeal is a huge supporter of Belmont and Gloucestershire’s other special schools, having donated many thousands of pounds through its dedicated fundraising, and making a world of difference to children with learning difficulties and physical disabilities across the country.
And Belmont also seeks to ‘give back’, holding sponsorship events and charity fun days for both local and national charities, including Pied Piper, Children in Need, Red Nose Day, and Just Like Us.
Local supermarket community champions
We are immensely grateful for the continuing support of our local supermarkets! until very recently, our Morrisons’ Community Champion was the wonderful Andrea, who delivered Easter eggs, pizza making kits, helped our vulnerable families and so much more. We were sad to say goodbye to Andrea at Easter, but excited to welcome Kelsi to this important role!
In the meantime, ASDA’s Community Champion, Dawn popped into school last term to present F@B with an amazing £500 cheque as winners of their green token scheme! Thanks to everyone who voted for Belmont!
