thrive

seckford foundation annual review 2016 SECKFORD FOUNDATION

I am delighted to present the Seckford authority consent to develop The Abbey site to have appointed several new trustees, details Foundation’s third annual review, which sets out accommodate the pre-prep Queen’s House and, of whom can be found on our website. Of details of the varied activities in which we were hopefully, a nursery: moves that will take place particular note is the recruitment of a number engaged during 2016. in September 2018. The Trustees believe that of young trustees, addressing the fact that the from an educational perspective it is important majority of our beneficiaries are under 25. Amongst the highlights was our collaboration that the transition from pre-prep to prep should They are already contributing actively to our with ’s other leading charities on a major be as seamless as possible, with a consistent discussions and decision making. and long term programme to address the needs approach to the education of the children of those people in Suffolk who suffer from rural Another important appointment during in our care. deprivation and isolation. FLOURISH, as the the year was that of Melanie Chew as our initiative is called, was launched in October at While Woodbridge Free School, as it was Development Director. Melanie has many a Rural Summit attended by representatives of originally called, was founded in 1662, our free years’ experience of fund raising in the charity the leading voluntary and public bodies in the schools in Beccles, Ixworth and Saxmundham, sector, most recently for East Anglia’s Children’s County. Out of this summit emerged a number funded by central government, are still in Hospices. Contrary to the assumption of many, of work streams – better access to legal services; their infancy, but they are beginning to make the Seckford Foundation is not a wealthy body: broadband and mobile coverage; transport; their mark on the communities they serve, yes, we have extensive property assets, but aspiration skills and jobs; strengthening providing a more traditional alternative to the these are mostly used as an integral part of the communities and tackling rural isolation; and other schools in their respective areas. As we work we undertake and do not generate free rural business – from which will be drawn describe on 12 GCSE results have thus far been cash for the organization. Our only “unearned” by the middle of 2017 an action plan. We lower than we would have hoped, but in terms income comes from our limited investments and the other promoters of FLOURISH are of adding value, an important measure of the and is fully utilised in our ongoing activities determined that the initiative should lead to a ability of a school to enhance outcomes beyond in the community. So the blunt truth is that long term commitment to the county. You can expectations, the Free Schools Trust is making if we want to expand the depth or breadth of read more about FLOURISH and our separate, significant advances which we hope and expect what we do we need to raise funds to do it – but connected, research into the effects of rural will be reflected in 2017’s results. More details whether it be to provide more bursaries to allow deprivation on young people, on page 3. of their progress and achievements can be found disadvantaged pupils to attend Woodbridge on pages 14-19. School, enhance our care facilities or expand Seckford Care witnessed a number of significant “ The important our programmes for young people. milestones during the year. At the start of 2016 Seckford Springboard, which sets out we opened a new day care facility in the Octagon to enhance the opportunities for young 2017 already looks like being as busy and Centre close to the centre of Woodbridge; in people to improve their educational and challenging as 2016 has been, and I would like June we enlarged the capacity of Jubilee House, employment prospects through the provision to thank all our officers, employees, volunteers, thing is not to our residential care home, with the provision of of apprenticeship opportunities, mentoring and supporters and my fellow governors for their a further five rooms; and at about the same time, financial support, is making significant progress, past and ongoing contributions to the work following an unannounced inspection, we were and we are proud that this recent initiative is of the Foundation. delighted to be awarded by the Care Quality already making a difference to the lives of many Commission an “Outstanding” grade for the young people in the county. See pages 24-27. stop questioning.” care provided at Seckford Almshouses. Many Jonathan Ripman, our longest serving trustee, congratulations to the management and staff for retired from the Board at the end of 2016, but providing such a welcoming, happy and caring ALBERT EINSTEIN we retain the benefit of his wisdom and deep environment for our residents. knowledge of the local voluntary sector through The big news at is that him remaining a member of the Community Roger Finbow we have just received from the local planning Benefit Committee. In the last few months we Chairman of the Seckford Foundation

1 SECKFORD FOUNDATION

CHAPTER CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR P P P P 04 08 20 24 SECKFORD SECKFORD SECKFORD SECKFORD FOUNDATION EDUCATION CARE SPRINGBOARD

CHAPTER ONE SECKFORD FOUNDATION 04 SECKFORD FOUNDATION IN THE COMMUNITY 06 CHAPTER TWO SECKFORD EDUCATION 08 WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL 10 SECKFORD FOUNDATION FREE SCHOOLS TRUST 12 BECCLES FREE SCHOOL 14 “ Our greatest national IXWORTH FREE SCHOOL 16 SAXMUNDHAM FREE SCHOOL 18 resource is the minds CHAPTER THREE SECKFORD CARE 20 of our children.” CHAPTER FOUR SECKFORD SPRINGBOARD 24 WALT DISNEY SUMMARY 28

2 3 CHAPTER “ Kindness - that simple word. To be kind - it covers 1 everything, to my mind. If you’re kind that’s it.” SECKFORD ROALD DAHL FOUNDATION We promote and support the education and care of the young and the elderly in and around the town of Woodbridge and the county of Suffolk. Originally founded with a gift from a prominent Elizabethan lawyer, Thomas Seckford, the Foundation is committed to: • Enabling elderly people to lead safe, secure, independent and fulfilling lives and caring for them when in need • Helping younger people to achieve their potential and to lead financially independent and productive lives • Strengthening the communities in which those we support live, aiming to reduce the effects of rural isolation Although proud of our history we do not live in the past; on the contrary the trustees regularly revisit our aims and aspirations to make sure they remain relevant and achieve maximum impact in the 21st century.

“I work with the Seckford Foundation on a number of projects, and like many others am deeply impressed with the scale and scope of their work, the people and organizations they bring together to focus on practical problem- solving, their thought-leadership and evidence gathering, and the significant outcomes they achieve as a result. The Foundation is respected hugely, and the experienced team can be trusted to deliver on their promises.” MARK PENDLINGTON TRUSTEE, THE PRINCE’S COUNTRYSIDE FUND AND CHAIRMAN, NEW ANGLIA ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

4 5 CHAPTER ONE SECKFORD FOUNDATION

SECKFORD FOUNDATION IN THE COMMUNITY To mark the 500th anniversary of the birth We were pleased to provide the services of of Thomas Seckford in 1515, the Foundation our Development Director, Melanie Chew, as decided to commission the University of principal organiser and co-ordinator for the Suffolk to undertake a piece of research summit, which was chaired by Sir Thomas into the effects on young people of rural Hughes-Hallett, a prominent philanthropist deprivation in the county (see below). and resident of Suffolk, and facilitated by BBC’s Coincidentally we discovered that the Suffolk Bill Turnbull. Agricultural Association, supported by FLOURISH is a call to action for local the Suffolk Community Foundation, was organizations to work together to better proposing to launch an initiative to address support people in the rural areas of our county, problems arising from rural deprivation, and particularly those in deprivation. The Summit it was agreed between the parties that we prompted many pledges of commitment on should work together to identify and seek to the day and thereafter, and these can be seen in address the myriad of issues that are faced by detail at www.flourishingsuffolk.org.uk underprivileged people in rural Suffolk. There is a real commitment to continuing this The first concrete outcome of this collaboration area of work; a number of work streams arose was a major summit held at Trinity Park in out of the Summit and the Foundation has October. FLOURISH, the Rural Summit for agreed to lead on a collaborative project called Suffolk, brought together 150 local leaders in ‘Aspiration, Skills and Jobs for Young People’. business, public and voluntary sectors to debate We will be working with other organizations the county’s growing issues around rural poverty around the county to better support young and to agree to work collaboratively to tackle people, particularly in our rural areas. such issues. The research commissioned from the University The event was spearheaded by the strong of Suffolk is nearing completion and will motivation of Clare, Countess of Euston, inform the Foundation’s priorities as it seeks to Suffolk’s Lord Lieutenant, working with Suffolk help and support young people in rural Suffolk Community Foundation, Suffolk Agricultural in particular to overcome the hurdles they face Association, the Seckford Foundation and in progressing from school to employment. We Community Action Suffolk, with support from hope to publish the findings very shortly. Suffolk County Council.

6 7 CHAPTER

“ For in dreams we enter a 2 world that is entirely our own. Let them swim in the deepest ocean or glide SECKFORD EDUCATION The Seckford Foundation has four schools within its remit: three non-selective, all-ability over the highest cloud.” 11-to-16 Free Schools and the independent Woodbridge School which incorporates Queen’s House (Pre-prep) and The Abbey (Prep) and educates children from the ages of 4 through to 18. This partnership of schools allows us to promote best practice in both the independent and ALBUS DUMBLEDORE maintained sector and support systems to develop the pupils academically, socially and morally, so that they can leave school as independent, co-operative, responsible and creative young adults who are resilient and able to cope with the challenges they will face. All of the schools provide a traditionally academic education with a strong emphasis on high quality pastoral care to ensure that pupils are well supported and encouraged to fulfil their real potential.

8 9 CHAPTER TWO WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL

SHAPING A FINE FUTURE

Woodbridge School had another very successful away during the year. In Drama the musical, marching to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’. We have aged musicians aged up to 18 years. year both academically and outside the Back to the Eighties, featured a cast of 118, a continued our Combined Cadet Force partnership The Foundation is committed to maintaining classroom. At A level 98% of grades were at Sixth Form production of Kafka’s Metamorphosis with allowing their pupils to the breadth of access to Woodbridge School A* to C and 54% of pupils obtained at least was both intense and mature and Year 9 join our contingent, and students from Beccles by offering to eligible parents/guardians one A. At GCSE just under a quarter of all grades performed its annual Shakespeare on the Chapel and Saxmundham Free Schools also have the means-tested financial support for the payment were at A* and 62% of pupils were awarded at Lawn production. opportunity to join an army platoon of our of school fees. During this year 92 bursary least one A*. contingent, based at Saxmundham Free School. In athletics, three teams reached the regional awards were made to help pupils join or continue During the year the School underwent an finals and 2 pupils subsequently represented Many staff and pupils at Woodbridge School to be educated at Woodbridge School. Of these inspection by the Independent Schools’ Suffolk at the national competition, and in cross volunteered their time to help members of our awards 28% represented fully remitted fees Inspectorate. The results were hugely positive, country Woodbridge won the overall team trophy community. Such activities included arranging and 86% received more than 50% remission with the school achieving “excellent” in six at the East Anglian Prep Schools Championship. fundraising events for the Bridge School and the of the full fee. categories and “good” in three. The Inspectors In we won the Suffolk Tennis Cup and in Hunger Project and they also acted as coaches particularly praised the personal development rounders the U12, U13 and U14 teams all and tutors to young people who are not pupils of pupils in the School and the excellent pastoral qualified for the Suffolk county finals. The same of Woodbridge School. During the year the total “nurturing happy, confident, care and wide ranging extra-curricular age groups also won their respective South charitable giving by the School body reached well-balanced young men programme. Suffolk Leagues in netball. The 1st XV rugby almost £14,000 and benefited 37 charities. team had some notable wins and the U12 team In addition, the annual London to Woodbridge and women.” The international exchange programme won three different sevens’ competitions. In Bike ride raised £12,005, making a total of over continued to flourish allowing students to NEIL TETLEY hockey the U14 girls’ team qualified for the £200,000 donated over the past 19 years to the exchange with other young pupils in ten different regional rounds of the national cup competition Bridge School, Clerkenwell. countries and where appropriate this programme and the 1st XI boys’ team won against Ipswich, is also offered to pupils of local schools. In Woodbridge School provided between 1,500 and Norwich and Culford. Great success was addition to the Young Enterprise competition in 2,000 children in local primary schools with the obtained in the ERSA skiing competition where which the School was placed first in Suffolk there ability to participate in a variety of sports the U19 mixed team won gold. have been numerous other opportunities for activities through the provision of over 30 Sports pupils to develop their business skills including The Combined Cadet Force had another Leaders. Other activities in the year included the the Classroom to Boardroom programme which successful year winning Combat Cadet, a national annual Woodbridge School Young Musician of ran successfully for the second year. competition, despite losing several members of the Year event which continues to grow in its original team due to illness. The Biennial popularity and is open to competitors from In music there were over 60 concerts including Inspection included an RAF drill team that schools throughout Suffolk. This year entries a moving concert in memory of John Stafford, performed in the dark with fluorescent lights and were extended to include intermediate and senior Assistant Director of Music, who sadly passed

10 11

SECKFORD FOUNDATION FST CHAPTER TWO

BUILT ON TRUST

The Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust was performances from students and subject areas also had the chance to take part in an Art established in 2012 to help local communities alike. The schools were set up to encourage Exhibition, “Fame Lab” where students gave short in Suffolk set up and run free schools. With the academic choice in their local areas and to presentations on a science topic of their choice support of the Department for Education, the raise standards, and so the value added scores, and the first ever competitive debate between the Trust opened Beccles and Saxmundham Free relevant to the student starting points, show that Free Schools, debating topical issues such as the Schools in 2012 and Ixworth in 2014. All of our the schools are achieving well with their cohorts EU referendum and internet usage for teenagers. free schools are non-selective; they are designed and with additional measures being put in place, The schools also competed against each other in TOUGH to provide an excellent, academically focussed we are looking forward to seeing the results poetry, winter sports, chess, a summer concert education for young people aged 11 to 16. The improve over the next few years. and the Great Trust Bake Off! COMPETITION Trust has high aspirations for all of our students At Beccles, 31% of students achieved an A*-C 2016 saw Saxmundham Free School lift the and we aim to deliver above national average grade in English and mathematics and a further “The Trust has high aspirations “Wilmott Dixon Trophy” (pictured) for the third progress and achievement for every student 40% achieved a C or above in either English or time in four years at the annual Champions Day. (relative to their starting points and abilities). for all of our students and we aim mathematics. At Saxmundham, 40% of students to deliver above national average Our broad and balanced curriculum is focussed achieved five GCSEs at grades A*-C including on traditional subjects such as English, English and mathematics and in only 4 years progress and achievement for mathematics, the sciences and humanities. at the school, these students achieved beyond every student…” This provision is complemented by a varied their expectations with above nationally expected and engaging daily enrichment programme. We progress. Year 10 students were privileged to take part believe this approach provides our students with in youth engagement sessions called ‘YOUNG Throughout the academic year, the Trust runs a a successful “foundation for life” by ensuring they FLOURISH’, which stemmed from ‘FLOURISH’ series of Cross Trust Competitions (CTCs) between have the qualifications and appropriate skills to (read more on page 7), the Rural Summit for the Free Schools, to create healthy competition, help them move forward confidently into further Suffolk. ‘FLOURISH’ highlighted many issues for promote excellence and also make the schools education, training or employment. We also look rural residents in Suffolk and key to addressing feel fully part of the Trust as one entity. to inspire in them a lifelong love of learning whilst those issues were the views of young people in they are studying with us. The most eagerly anticipated event in the CTC the county. ‘YOUNG FLOURISH’ was a consultation calendar is Champions Day, which in 2016, exercise for young people aged 14-25 and was saw over 220 students from within the Trust Free Schools GCSE Results co-produced by the Seckford Foundation and compete at Woodbridge School in a variety of Beccles and Saxmundham both received their Suffolk County Council’s Skills Team. The data that track and field athletic events. The final result second sets of GCSE results in the year, and has been produced from the consultations will saw Saxmundham regain its crown, impressively feed into the work of ‘FLOURISH’ going forward, Left to right: Free School students debating topical whilst the results were once again lower than issues, ‘the Great Trust Bake Off’ and the ‘Fame Lab’ winning the ‘Wilmott Dixon Trophy’ for the third hoped for, there were some fantastic individual and the development of a Rural Action Plan. Science competition. time in four years. During the year students 12 13 CHAPTER TWO BECCLES FREE SCHOOL

FAMILY VALUES - SCHOOL & COMMUNITY

In July a team of students at Beccles Free School bubbles, slimy materials and launching a rocket After a successful week in 2015, a new group were crowned Junior World Champions after to Mars. Simon Wood, REAch2 Academy Trust of Beccles students were invited by the Cirdan defeating hundreds of school teams globally Executive Principal for East Anglia, said how Trust to undertake a week’s sailing off the Norfolk at the RoboCup 2016 World Championships, delighted he was to be working in partnership Coast, learning everything that’s needed to following up their win at the National with Beccles Free School on developing stronger sail a boat. Working together in very tight areas Championships earlier in the year. This is the educational community partnerships. Simon meant that the students learned a lot about second year that Beccles Free School have said: “I am thrilled that all five REAch2 academy cooperation, teamwork and their own strengths represented the UK in the RoboCup competition, primary schools in Beccles and Lowestoft were and weaknesses, a hugely rewarding week, and after achieving second place at the competition invited to the Science Museum shows at Beccles one which will undoubtedly help the students as hosted in China last year. Free School. At REAch2 we are committed to they prepare for exams in the next few years and providing exceptional opportunities for learning then the world beyond Beccles Free School. Since taking part in RoboCup last year, the and Beccles Free School have, most graciously, student team has been hosting a weekly During a school enrichment club, students given our pupils a brilliant opportunity in science. coding club with local primary schools, where busily planted new trees, kindly donated by the We look forward to hosting their senior students it has been sharing its expertise and inspiring Woodland Trust, as part of an initiative to make in the coming months, as we further our work youngsters to build and battle their own robots schools a nicer environment to learn in and also together across East Anglia.” using code. RoboCup is part of a wider strategy to encourage more wildlife such as birds and to encourage more involvement with STEM Exploding and flying eggs were amongst the butterflies. The gardening enrichment group led subjects, and to provide students with a range of egg-citing activities masterminded by students by volunteer, Mr Miles, has already transformed exciting learning opportunities. in Years 7 to 9 when they showed Beccles the school courtyard garden into a beautiful Primary Academy pupils the science of eggs, space full of plants and colour and tidied up The world-renowned Science Museum visited as part of an ‘Eggs on Tour’ science project. various parts of the school. Beccles Free School in May, inspiring local The project took place on National Demo Day, students of all ages with a series of interactive In April, Beccles students took part in the which encourages students and teachers to science shows. After a day of shows for all town’s celebrations to mark Her Majesty the share science demonstrations with their local “our students contribute positively to students at Beccles Free School, the school then Queen’s 90th birthday. Six student prefects community. ‘Eggs on Tour’ first came about welcomed 180 pupils from five local primary accompanied the Mayor of Beccles, in planting the local community; we celebrate when students were challenged to come up with schools within the REAch2 Academy Trust for a a commemorative tree and unveiling a plaque different egg-based experiments for Beccles second day of shows. at Beccles Museum in honour of Her Majesty’s our successes together.” Free School’s annual science fair, which was special birthday before serving canapés to the The team from the Science Museum inspired judged by the Mayor and Mayoress of Beccles, Main picture: Members of the World Championship RoboCup event guests. students with performances on the wonders of Councillor Hugh and Mrs Angela Taylor. team teaching coding to younger primary school pupils.Inset (from top to bottom): ‘Eggs on Tour’ Science Fair, Gardening Enrichment Club and sailing with the Cirdan Trust.

14 15 CHAPTER TWO IXWORTH FREE SCHOOL

IXWORTH - AN APPETITE FOR EXCELLENCE

The Lord-Lieutenant for Suffolk, Lady Euston, subject has to be a book, and is open to Year talked about how she overcame her own barriers unveiled a commemorative plaque at Ixworth 7 - 9 students from across the county. “Book of injury and lack of training facilities, including Free School during the grand opening of its new Mastermind” starts in schools in the Autumn Term the obvious barrier of limited opportunity to facilities in February. The opening celebrated the with winners from each school then going on to practice due to lack of snowfall in the country. end of a two-stage, £4.4 million refurbishment compete in area finals in February. Her messages were inspiring and led to thought programme which has been ongoing since the provoking questions from the students. The area competition was held at Bury St school opened in September 2014. Edmunds Library and there were two rounds. On Ellie’s final visit she led a range of challenges Ixworth Free School was in need of expansion First there were a series of questions on a book which focused on developing leadership and and refurbishment to accommodate growing of the competitor’s choice. Emily’s was “Earth teamwork. student numbers and to provide more Girl” by Janet Edwards, which she had read 12 In November, the school choir sang for modernised learning spaces. The building work times since October, and then a second round on an hour on the main stage at the Bury St. has included a new 200-seater multi-purpose general knowledge. Edmunds’ Christmas Market. They performed “a small and caring school with hall, a versatile outdoor learning space, new Ixworth Free School was selected to be part of a full repertoire of Carols and also some entrance and reception areas and complete big opportunities and futures in the Sky Sports ‘Living for Sport’ initiative, which newly arranged pop songs. It was an amazing refurbishment of classrooms. involves athlete mentors going into schools experience for the students involved to be able mind for every single student.” As part of its upgrade of facilities Ixworth Free to motivate and inspire students, as well as to sing in front of such a big crowd. School has become the first local school to create teaching students about the Sky Sports ‘six keys A team of four students at Ixworth Free School a 4D interactive classroom which brings teaching to success’. These are the top six life-skills that were crowned regional champions after winning and learning to life. The £40,000 investment in successful athletes have identified as enabling the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Team Maths the 4D ‘immersive’ technology means ‘real life’ them to achieve success in sport. Challenge regional final in 2016. sensory experiences such as walking in space or Ellie Koyander, a Winter Olympian in Freestyle in a rainforest can be created, blurring the line Year 9 students Kim Goss and Lizzie Bolton and moguls skiing, visited the school on three between the physical and digital world. Year 8 students Lily Curie and Lucas Measures separate occasions as part of the project. On her defeated 18 other teams in the Suffolk and Emily Martin came third in the area finals of first visit, Ellie led a school assembly about her Norfolk final, held in April at the Nicholas Hamond the “Book Mastermind” competition, which is story and how the ‘six keys to success’ enabled Academy. Out of 1,700 schools nationally, Ixworth organized by Suffolk Library Services in order to her to achieve her goals. Free School was one of 70 to qualify for the Main picture: The Ixworth Free School Choir singing get more young people into reading. on the main stage at the Bury St Edmunds’ Christmas On Ellie’s second visit, she worked with a group national finals. Market. Inset (from top to bottom): Winter Olympian The competition works like the television of 40 students and the focus was on being the Ellie Koyander coaching Ixworth sport students, ‘Book show “Mastermind”, except that the specialist best you can be and overcoming barriers. She Mastermind’ Emily Martin and Clare, Countess of Euston viewing the 4D immersive room.

16 17 CHAPTER TWO SAXMUNDHM FREE SCHOOL

SUCCESSFUL, SAFE & STUDENT-CENTRED

The Saxmundham Free School Combined Cadet at Saxmundham Free School, said: “The There was an inspirational evening with local Force (CCF) began a partnership with the Royal mathematics programme has been a real success entrepreneur Kelly-Anne Byres, when the award- British Legion’s Saxmundham and District branch so far and all students have really enjoyed winning businesswoman was the guest speaker in 2016, which has helped the cadets learn more working together. We look forward to developing at the annual Celebration Evening in September. about Remembrance Day and how to become the programme further and to involving more Kelly-Anne set up her own accountancy practice standard bearers for Armistice parades. The CCF local primary schools in the future.” aged 24 and co-founded Poppy Nursing and Care at Saxmundham Free School has been running Service in Suffolk. Earlier in the year she won the Saxmundham students were lucky enough “we believe that our since September 2014, and helps students East Anglian Daily Times ‘Young Business P erson to receive a visit from an Olympian and a to develop important skills for life beyond the of the Year’ award, and in 2015 was shortlisted young people are capable Paralympian during the year, as part of the school gates such as leadership, self-reliance, for Entrepreneur of the Year in the national Sky Sports ‘Living for Sport’ initiative. Firstly, of truly fantastic things and responsibility and perseverance. Mr Everett, Women of the Future Awards. During the event, Olympic volleyball player Rachel Laybourne met Chairman of the Saxmundham and District awards were given out to Year 11 students who we expect them to strive to with students in Years 7 - 9 to talk about her branch of the Royal British Legion said: “I would had made outstanding individual achievements experiences and achievements as a professional achieve their very best.” like to give a warm welcome to the army cadets during their time at the school. Student Katie volleyball player, as well as demonstrating from the Saxmundham Free School CCF as Lee was presented with the Seckford Foundation her skills on the court. Rachel is inducted they affiliate with our branch of the Royal British Cup for her outstanding academic performance in the Volleyball Hall of Fame, after Legion. Hopefully we can work well together; we and Millie Cartwright-Jones was presented with representing Great Britain in more than 95 will be there if they need our help and the cadets the Watson Cup for her outstanding journey and international matches as well as competing in will help us too.” progress at Saxmundham Free School. the London 2012 Olympic Games. Following A team of Year 9 students have been helped Rachel’s visit, Saxmundham was also fortunate In May, Year 7 students helped to clean up their pupils at local primary schools to learn enough to welcome Paralympic swimmer Fran beaches by collecting 22 kilos of litter along 900 mathematics and problem solving skills, as part Williamson. During her visit, Fran led a practical metres of the Sizewell coastline before weighing of their weekly enrichment activities. The fun and teamwork exercise and shared her experiences it and recording it in order to prepare the beach interactive mathematics programme involved and achievements as a Paralympic athlete, for the summer months. The data collection and Year 6 pupils from Benhall Primary School and inspiring students with personal stories of their records will help to identify local litter trends Coldfair Green Primary School and took place strength, perseverance and dedication to sport. in comparison with national data collected at over 12 week blocks, with the aim of helping The session was part of Anti-Bullying Week, and beach clean events across the country, as well younger pupils to develop confidence in using Fran challenged perceptions of disabilities and as help to provide effective solutions to Suffolk’s Main Picture: Year 9 students helping primary school mathematics to solve problems. Mr Battle, explained that everyone can achieve great things beach litter problems. students with their mathematics. Inset (from left to right): subject leader for mathematics and numeracy if they are determined enough. CCF affiliation with the Royal British Legion, Celebration Evening and Olympian Rachel Laybourne leading a coaching session.

18 19 CHAPTER 3

SECKFORD CARE The Foundation’s care of the elderly is centred on the Seckford Almshouses and Jubilee House, where it provides sheltered, very sheltered and residential accommodation. In addition, day care services are now provided from a new location in the centre of Woodbridge, giving even greater access to those valuable facilities. During the year we were delighted that the Seckford Almshouses received high praise from national inspectors and was awarded a rating of “Outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission: one of only three centres in the county to receive the highest possible rating.

“ Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

MARK TWAIN

20 21 CHAPTER THREE SECKFORD CARE “We were impressed

Following an inspection In June, the Care Quality to providing an exceptional Commission found the quality of care provided by standard of care. during our inspection Seckford Almshouses to be “Outstanding overall”. “All of this meant people Inspectors found staff to be caring and received a high standard of compassionate and said that people were being care, which is why it has been and were struck by how provided with safe, responsive, caring, effective rated Outstanding.” and well-led care. Under CQC’s new programme In January, the Lord Lieutenant of inspections, all adult social care services are caring staff were to for Suffolk, Lady Euston, being given a rating according to whether they are officially opened the new safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Seckford Day Club at the Seckford Almshouses was rated Outstanding those using the service” Woodbridge Methodist Church overall, Outstanding for being caring and well- JEMIMA BURNAGE, CQC’S HEAD OF INSPECTION FOR in the centre of the town. Lady led and Good for being safe and effective and ADULT SOCIAL CARE IN THE CENTRAL REGION Euston shared afternoon tea with responsive. Seckford Care colleagues, day club members who helped members to prepare, cook and store team was also recognized for helping residents to Jemima Burnage, CQC’s Head of Inspection for and Reverend Derek Grimshaw, Superintendent a range of nutritious meals as well as providing correspond both by post with a special collection Adult Social Care in the central region said: Minister of the Ipswich Methodist Circuit, before useful tips and advice for healthy eating in older service, and by assisting residents to use Skype to cutting a special celebration cake. “We were impressed with what we found during age. Members were also able to enjoy a two- communicate with family and friends. course hot lunch every week with the group. our inspection of Seckford Almshouses and Later in the year, Lady Euston also unveiled a As part of the older persons grant scheme, inspectors were struck by how caring staff were plaque to mark the completion of improvement During the year, staff at the Seckford Almshouses the Seckford Foundation awarded £2500 to to those using the service. works and the creation of six new bedrooms successfully completed the Dementia Champion Aldeburgh Music to support its Dementia and at Jubilee House, meaning it now provides “Our observations showed extremely Course, run by the Norfolk & Suffolk Dementia Community Project which uses live music-based residential care for up to 25 older people. compassionate carers who consistently Alliance. The course enabled them not only activity to work with those living with and affected demonstrated empathy, understanding and Before unveiling the plaque, Lady Euston to develop their knowledge and skills with by dementia. Another initiative that the Seckford warmth in their interactions with people. Staff took a tour around the new facilities and met regard to caring for individuals with dementia Foundation continues to support is the Rural had an enhanced knowledge of the people they with residents and staff, as well as all those but importantly to gain skills in coaching and Coffee Caravan. £5000 was awarded to support cared for. responsible for the realisation of the project. The mentoring so that they can share their learning 10 visits of the caravan / van to rural villages in project also included an indoor seating area and with colleagues, families, members of the public, Suffolk, providing support and guidance and a “The service ensured that people had tailored an office, a new separate entrance to Jubilee or anyone who has an interest to learn. place for people to meet and access information and inclusive methods of communication. For House and easier access to the outdoor patio area who would otherwise be isolated. example, lip reading sessions and hearing aid In February, staff at Seckford Care were awarded and potting shed. clinics had been set up. the ‘My life, My Communication’ award at the The Foundation continues to ensure that vacancies The Seckford Cookery Lunch Club was launched GEM (Going The Extra Mile) awards organized at the Almshouses or Jubilee House are offered “Feedback from people and their relatives was in 2016: a seven-week cookery course, open by Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk to Social Services so those without the financial extremely positive and throughout the inspection to anyone aged 65 and over who would like to Safeguarding Adults Board. They were praised means can continue to access our services. Of the we saw how the senior management encouraged learn some new skills in the kitchen. It was led particularly for their photography and art clubs 19 residents in our residential care home £40,917 and embedded best practice. This approach by a qualified instructor from Realise Futures, and for their services to the wider community has been remitted from the fees, representing meant staff were highly motivated and committed with their lip-reading and hearing aid clinic. The approximately 6% of the gross fees.

22 23 CHAPTER 4

SECKFORD SPRINGBOARD Seckford Springboard helps young people aged 25 and under to access education, employment and training, bridging any gap that is getting in their way. Whether through apprenticeships, mentoring or grants, we aim to make a difference to the lives of young people. We want to improve the chances of young people finding economic self-sufficiency; to raise aspirations, confidence levels and self-esteem. We aim to help them find employment and remain employed, and to develop into confident, self-assured and responsible individuals leading an independent and fulfilled life; to enhance their right to economic well-being, training and education so that they can make the most of every opportunity presented to them. “the best way of learning about anything is by doing” RICHARD BRANSON

PICTURED Suffolk’s Building Trainee Awards Apprentice of the Year, Daniel Sheppard (right), and Jack Mayhew (left) who both completed their apprenticeship schemes with Seckford Springboard during 2016.

24 25 CHAPTER FOUR SECKFORD SPRINGBOARD

Apprenticeships Mentoring Grants Fresh Start, New Beginnings is a relatively new charity which provides therapeutic services The Seckford Apprenticeship scheme focuses on Springboard is also continuing with its mentoring In the year 29 grants were awarded to to children who are the victims of sexual giving opportunities to those young people not programme to support mainly young people organizations or individuals amounting to abuse. We wanted to support this initiative as in education, employment or training who have to make important life choices. Many of them £36,000. Grants to organizations supporting it is a project to raise self-esteem amongst experienced difficulties in taking the first step into are looking for a sounding-board in the often the under 25s included £4,500 to Books East, young people and facilitate their employment rewarding employment. The scheme has now confusing task of choosing their post-GSCE £3,000 to the Prince’s Trust, £2,500 to the opportunities. We awarded £5000 to provide completed its fourth year, and five apprentices path, or for support in finding work, and others Country Trust, and £5000 to Fresh Start, New support through a trained child sexual abuse have now completed their apprenticeships require help with overcoming disabilities whether Beginnings. worker, for 5 young children who live in rural and have successfully moved into employment physical or mental. Books East is a newly created literary festival areas around Woodbridge, following the with local employers. Two more joined the During 2016 our mentoring programme had 10 based in Ipswich. Our award of £4500 enabled disclosure of sexual abuse. scheme in September 2016; one as a business active mentors providing support to 14 mentees. the Festival to offer an outreach and education administration apprentice and the other as a In summary, the Foundation seeks to support a Our mentees came from a range of locations, programme for young people in schools in grounds team apprentice. We are delighted wide variety of applicants, both organisations and including: Ipswich and Suffolk as well as to families of and thankful to the Frank Jackson Foundation individuals, with the common theme of assisting children in those schools. They also ran a short agreed to provide further funding during 2016 in • Citizens Advice Bureau young people to improve their life skills and story competition for young people across the order to support our latest apprentices training in opportunities and to address specific hurdles • CYDS youth project, Leiston county. construction skills, following the success of the they may face. We welcome applications from first two apprentices it sponsored, one of whom, • Holbrook Academy The Prince’s Trust received £3000 towards individuals and organisations. Daniel Sheppard won an award as Apprentice of • Ixworth Free School funding its Development Awards Programme the Year from Suffolk’s Building Trainee Awards which provides mentoring and small financial 2016, held by the National Federation of Builders. • Jobcentre Plus support to young people aged 14-25 at pivotal points in their lives, such as to gain a qualification The Frank Jackson Foundation is a locally • Saxmundham Free School or enter employment or simply to buy smart based grant-making trust which aims to support • shoes for an interview. disadvantaged young people through education, hence our desire to work closely with it, and we We ran three training courses for mentors during The Country Trust aims to help children to thank the Foundation for its generous support. 2016 and now have 19 further mentors trained become more knowledgeable about food, farming and ready to provide mentoring, in addition to and the countryside. We awarded £2500 to fund those already in service. 7 farm visits for disadvantaged children from primary schools in deprived areas of Suffolk. A total of 187 children were given a full day of transformational activities, engaging them in and making them more knowledgeable about the food they eat and where it has come from.

26 27 IN SUMMARY 2016 was another busy and fulfilling year across the Whether you are an individual, business, community group or a charity, Foundation and all its activities. Our work is achieved thanks to the time we welcome your support. Please get in touch if you can help, perhaps and talent contributed by our volunteers, supporters, parents, students by volunteering some of your time or by making a donation to support and staff, as well as partner organizations around the county and further our work. Or simply by working in collaboration with us to support young afield. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has contributed to our and older people across Suffolk. work over the past year. You can reach us by email: enquiries @seckford-foundation.org.uk Or by telephone: 01394 615100

“ Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” HELEN KELLER Seckford Foundation The Seckford Foundation is grateful that this publication has been kindly sponsored by Ingleton Wood, a multi-disciplinary property 01394 615 100 and construction consultancy, providing a wide range of services [email protected] across the majority of industry sectors including commercial, health, Charity registration N0. 1110964 education, residential and community. www.ingletonwood.co.uk