Student Support

It is important to us that students feel confident they know who to access at the academy, if they are struggling in any way. Our Personal Progress Tutor and Safeguarding team are always on hand and available in the academy. We offer students a unique package of support to ensure that they achieve their potential and flourish in their time with us. Our support below includes:

PPT Team

Every student is assigned a PPT. The role of a PPT is that of an academic and pastoral mentor. Every student meets regularly with their PPT and has access to them throughout the week. Where specific needs are identified, the PPT will put together a package of bespoke support.

Wellbeing Team

Students also have access to our specialist safeguarding team which consists of staff who are trained at a ‘designated safeguarding lead’ (DSL) level. The wellbeing team is made up of a member of the Senior Leadership team, a safeguarding and medical manager, SENDCo, Social, emotional and mental health mentor, attendance officer, and multiple Personal Progress Tutors. They are able to ensure that student are fully supported and appropriate intervention put in place.

Counselling

At TSFA we have our own dedicated Mental Health Support Team (MHST) who work in partnership with us to develop our whole academy approach to mental health and wellbeing, building on our internal provision.

The team consists of a Team or Clinical lead, Senior Practitioners and Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs). The practitioners are trained, or are training, in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) interventions, other evidence-based therapies or are experienced mental health professions. The MHST practitioners are able to offer cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) where appropriate. This is based upon the understanding that how we think, feel and behaviour is closely linked to understanding a young person’s difficulties. CBT can help a young person to develop a toolbox of strategies and new ways of coping with difficult situations. These skills are all evidence based, which means researchers have tested them and found that they are shown to work.

In addition to our MHST we have also created strong links with Rev Sam Crook who attends the academy weekly to offer pastoral intervention with our students.

Medical Team

We have a number of staff who are first aid trained to offer medical intervention for students who require additional support.

Wider Services

We have worked hard to foster many links with specialist agencies to provide our students with a wide range of support. We work with external agencies such as Invictus, Brew Project, VitaMinds, Positive Identities, SmartMove, school nursing team, amongst many others.

Counselling & Mental Health Support Team

In addition to our Student Wellbeing Manager we also have a SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) Mentor who is available during the college day to offer a range of support for students. The SEMH mentor works alongside other agencies to ensure appropriate referrals are put in place with external agencies for more specialised support.

Financial Support

The Bursary and Free Meal Fund exists to enable students who have been identified as experiencing the greatest need for financial support to remain in education and thereby improve their choices in life. The fund may aid with travel, meals, trips and essential curriculum resources if you fall within the priority groups.

SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) Support

We provide individual support and targeted interventions throughout the academic year to ensure that all students achieve their desired outcomes. TSFA is committed to providing an inclusive education and ensuring all students are given opportunities to develop as life ready learners.

Meet the Team

Lucy Smith

Lucy is a member of the Senior Leadership Team – she is responsible for Safeguarding, Student Wellbeing and SEND provision. Lucy is the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) at Trinity Sixth Form.

Deborah Morse

Deborah is the SENDCo at TSFA and sits on the safeguarding team. She has a wealth of experience providing outstanding provision for our SEND students. Deborah is also DSL trained.

Bethany Vakulich

Bethany is our Social, Emotional and Mental Health Mentor. She works closely with students to ensure that they receive appropriate wellbeing support. Bethany also works closely with external agencies to ensure that appropriate referrals are put in place for students who may need additional support. Bethany is mental health first aid trained.

Zoe Brand

Zoe is a Personal Progress Tutor who is also trained to DSL level. She works closely with the attendance team to ensure that students are supported whilst studying at TSFA.

Sarah Waites

Sarah is part of the student wellbeing team offering low level intervention with students. Sarah can support students with exam stress, or any worries they might have about their studies or next steps.

Maya Fireman

Maya is part of our Personal Progress Team but has also completed her qualification in mental health first aid so is able to support both students and staff with this knowledge.