WARM WELCOME: Avonbourne Trust has become the first multi-academy-trust to open an outeach centre for parents, former students and the community. Called Avonreach, it is based in the Sovereign Centre, Boscombe. Former Avonbourne student Kayleigh Williams (second left) and her son drop in to say hello the Avonreach team (far left Lisa Gutsell and far right Carol Dickens) and Avonbourne Trust CEO Debbie Godfrey-Phaure (second right).
A Bournemouth education trust has become the first academy in Britain to open an outreach centre for parents, former students and the wider community it serves.
Launched by Avonbourne Trust, Avonreach is the name of the new drop-in based at the Sovereign Centre in Boscombe.
The centre is for anyone who would like to make contact with the Trust and its four academies: Avonbourne College, Harewood College, Avonbourne Sixth Form and Avonwood Primary.
Trust CEO Debbie Godfrey-Phaure explained: “Boscombe is the community we serve and we feel it is important to be at the very heart of our community.
“For various reasons it can be difficult or challenging for parents to come to school when they need to speak to us.
“Avonreach offers another way for people to meet with us – all they have to do is drop in and we will help.”
Manning the centre are members of the Trust’s pastoral team and they are regularly joined by one of the Trust’s assistant headteachers.
They not only help current parents of students but they also welcome former students who need guidance and advice plus anyone interested in finding out more about the Trust’s schools.
WARM WELCOME: Avonbourne Trust has become the first multi-academy-trust to open an outeach centre for parents, former students and the community. Called Avonreach, it is based in the Sovereign Centre, Boscombe. Former student Kayleigh Williams pops in with her son to say hello to Avonbourne Trust CEO Debbie Godfrey-Phaure.
Avonreach also works closely with other local groups to offer a wide range of services to support its community.
So why in this day and age of social media and online communications has Avonbourne Trust decided to take on this approach?
“We’ve embraced Twitter and Facebook but we want to open as many doors of communication as possible,” Debbie Godfrey-Phaure added.
“At the end of the day nothing can replace good old-fashioned face-to-face contact and a listening ear to talk to.
“Avonreach is providing that in a friendly, relaxing environment that is in easy reach of our community – and we would love people to come and visit us there.”
Avonreach is based at the Creative Kids Studio in the Sovereign Centre and is open every Tuesday from 9.30am to 11.30am.
WARM WELCOME: Avonbourne Trust has become the first multi-academy-trust to open an outeach centre for parents, former students and the community. Called Avonreach, it is based in the Sovereign Centre, Boscombe. The Avonreach team (Lisa Gutsell, right and Carol Dickens, left) with Avonbourne Trust CEO Debbie Godfrey-Phaure (centre).
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