Deputy PFCC visits Southend Enrichment Programme and Victory Park Academy

On Monday 10 November Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner, alongside members of the VVU, visited Southend Enrichment Programme, part of Victory Park Academy.

Victory Park is an alternative education setting in Southend, where a significant proportion of students have previously had involvement in criminal activity or exploitation, are at heightened risk, or have had difficulties with their learning at mainstream schools.

The Academy has a strong enrichment programme, funded by the VVU, which uses evidence-based interventions to reward and support young people with their learning, their willingness to engage and achieve, and give specific support across areas they are struggling. This in turn reduces risk for them and their communities, and gives them an improved pathway to prepare for adult life.

At Victory Park these interventions take many forms, including combat training and we joined a group of students at Southend Combat Academy to see the programme in action. The students demonstrated discipline, respect, commitment, and enthusiasm to learn under the guidance of the combat instructors.

Positive Results

Having the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities is proving incredibly successful for the school; attendance has risen to 78%, compared to a national average of 60% for similar settings.

Negative behaviour incidents have decreased significantly, and re-engagement back to mainstream education is higher than other similar provisions.

Alongside combat training, the programme offers horse riding and animal interaction for students with special educational needs needs, ensuring inclusivity and tailored support.

Staff at Victory Park strive to create a safe, respectful environment. They concentrate on building relationships with the students that support their growth and wellbeing and this was evident to see from the interactions between staff and pupils during our visit to the Combat Academy and then the school site.

Deputy PFCC, Jane Gardner said she was “Completely blown away by the enrichment programme, the school and the passion shown by staff. What they offer to young people is key to their success.” She added that it was fantastic to speak with a female student who spoke of her progression to overcome anxiety, and become a better version of herself, thanks to being involved in the enrichment programme and the opportunities it has given her.