Dorothy Barley Infant School in Dagenham is to receive dedicated, specialist support to help improve outcomes for vulnerable children and give them a better start in life thanks to national charity Achievement for All and Essex Freemasons
A grant of £5,000 from Essex Freemasons, donated via the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) will allow Achievement for All to work with staff at Dorothy Barley to assist pupils achieve greater potential in life by helping to lay down firm and positive aspirations to learn and succeed. The programme, which also involves parents and staff, has been proven to give youngsters the support they need, particularly in the early years
The £5,000 grant is part of a much larger grant of £240,000 given by Freemasons to 53 schools in England and Wales through Achievement for All’s award-winning Achieving Schools programme.
Achievement for All is a leading not-for-profit organisation that works in partnership with early years settings, schools and colleges, improving outcomes for all children and young people regardless of their background, challenge or need.
The grant will provide subsidised access to the Achieving Schools programme, which dramatically enhances the goals and outcomes of pupils and addresses the issues faced by children and staff though four key areas: leadership, teaching and learning, wider outcomes and opportunities, and parent and carer engagement. Schools who have benefited from this programme to date have seen a positive impact on the development of teaching, increased pupil attendance as well as improved confidence amongst pupils in their own abilities to achieve.
Christine James, Headteacher at Dorothy Barling, said: ‘The grant will make a huge difference to this school. It will enable us to work closely with Achievement for All to identify children and parents in need of support and most importantly provide the time needed to concentrate on those youngsters that need it most.
‘This school is very much part of the local community with parents who give us considerable support but we have some who need help and this money will enable us to make a difference.’
Colin Felton, Provincial Communications Officer for Essex Freemasons, said: ‘We are very pleased to be able to help Achievement for All with their excellent programme at Dorothy Barling.
‘Freemasons are very much part of the community and our 10,000 members are actively raising money for the MCF to ensure that grants to schools and other local charities such as can be made on a regular basis. We are delighted to be able to help this incredible initiative work in Dagenham.
‘Developing children’s core strength and resilience can improve confidence and engage children in learning. By supporting these pupils now we can play an important part in helping them make the most of their education.’
Find out more about the £5,000 donation – watch this short video.