The Learning Community Trust (LCT) welcomed guests, pupils and partner organisations this week for a special celebration event organised by Allsports Coaches Coaching Academy (ACCA) as the opening event in their year of celebration. Hosted at the Trust’s central offices, the celebration centred on the impactful partnership work taking place between Allsports Coaches Coaching Academy and LCT, in particular the Beyond the Uniform programme and the pilot of the Mind Your Head initiative.
Part of a much broader programme of work delivered by ACCA, these initiatives were selected to open the year of celebration because of the strong collaborative relationship with LCT and the significant, measurable impact they have already had on Trust pupils
The Beyond the Uniform initiative at LCT was developed after Nikki Morrison, Head of Welfare and Attendance, successfully secured funding to provide tailored support for children from serving and veteran families. With her own personal experience as a forces family member, Nikki has played a central role in shaping the programme, which is designed to support more than 100 service children across the Trust’s schools. Nikki has been supported with the programme at LCT by Adele Robinson (Administration Assistant), who is also from a forces family; her father served for many years.
Children from across LCT attended the celebration to receive certificates and share their experiences. Many spoke proudly about how taking part in Beyond the Uniform had helped them build confidence, express their emotions more openly, overcome shyness and meet others with shared experiences. The visit of Anna Turner, the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, added a special moment to the event, as she presented certificates and spoke directly with students about the challenges and strengths of forces family life.
The celebration brought together partners from across Telford who contribute to both the programme and the wider support network for veterans’ families. Representatives from Allsports Coaching Coaches Association (ACCA) – including Jim Prescott, Johnny Bradley, Neil Prescott and Parminder Dhani – spoke about their delivery of the Mind Your Head pilot, which introduces pupils to practical techniques for emotional wellbeing, resilience and self-belief.
They were joined by Carl Bailey, CEO of Challenging Perceptions and Cochair of the Telford Mental Health Forum, whose organisation provides afterschool support as part of the Trust’s wellbeing offer. Cllr Fiona Doran, Donnington Ward councillor and Chair of Challenging Perceptions, also attended, reflecting the strong multiagency commitment behind this work.
The event further highlighted the breadth of collaboration across the region. Phil Taylor, CEO of Landau, shared updates on work with the Lloyds Foundation around good and fair employment and elective home education, while Cindy MasonMorris, Armed Forces Partnerships Officer for Telford & Wrekin Council, attended to reinforce the council’s ongoing support for forces families. Shaun Carvill of Clickingmad Ltd, who works alongside ACCA, was also present.
Representing the voluntary sector, Jeni Kuczynska, CEO of Telford and Wrekin Council for Voluntary Service, described the contribution of organisations such as SENDIASS, the Autism Hub and Young Carers; all of which support children and families connected to LCT schools and wider Lloyds Foundation programmes.
Teachers and staff from across LCT joined to celebrate pupils’ achievements. Charlotte McLean attended on behalf of Charlton School, while Sarah Harris, Teaching Assistant at Crudgington Primary – and a forces parent whose three children completed the programme – offered a personal perspective on the difference Beyond the Uniform makes. Matt Horton, Safeguarding Officer, accompanied pupils from New Road as they collected their certificates.
The event served not only as the start of Allsports Coaching Academy’s year of celebration, but also as a meaningful moment to recognise the growing partnership between educators, coaches, charities and the wider community in supporting forces families across the region. As the year unfolds, both Allsports Coaching Academy and the Learning Community Trust look forward to continuing to champion the experiences, resilience and voices of service children; ensuring they feel understood, included and celebrated for the strength they carry beyond the uniform.
