I’m writing this blog from home – because it’s the safest place for everyone at this present time.

At the start of the week, we made the painful decision to shut Springboard Project and work remotely and virtually.

So on Monday, we did what we always do in the New Bridge Group, we rallied the troops (with social distance of course) and began to distribute the iPads so all our Springboard young people can continue to access and progress in the work they started in September.

And the response has been overwhelming. Not long after Monday’s closure, the staff received several messages which I want to share with you:

• ‘Mr Ward, I’ve got my iPad!’
• ‘Yo Mrs T, can someone help me with my Showbie account?’
• ‘Mrs Burrows – can you send me some more work?’

Amazing, just amazing. At this point I want to say a MASSIVE ‘thank you’ to my staff team. They have been just brilliant and even though this is a very different way of working, they have adapted, supported our young people and families and supported each other. Thank you.

Thanks to all our families for the brilliant communication between home and Project staff. Again it’s been a really positive experience so far and I’ve enjoyed speaking and emailing you all to keep up to date. This ‘check in’ will continue, until we are advised otherwise.

We’ve also been encouraging all our young people to ‘log on’ and access their accounts. All students are able to do this and if there are any difficulties, can you please speak to your staff member responsible for your child or email me directly. We are encouraging all our young people to continue their learning.

Finally – we need to really stress to everyone the importance of staying at home in this time. The faster we do this, the faster we will be back to the Project.

Please everyone, stay safe.

Mrs Tootill
Head of Springboard Project