We are delighted to announce that Willow Tree Park has received the Social Impact Schools Award in recognition of the brilliant work they are doing in encouraging students to be compassionate, engaged and socially responsible.
At Bright Futures, all our schools aim to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for students with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs, allowing them to thrive and empowering them to actively contribute to the community through their tailored learning experiences.
The Social Impact Schools Award honours and highlights the efforts of alternative learning providers that prioritise encouraging their students to have a positive impact on the world. It offers formal recognition to schools that embed social action and charitable work into the heart of their approach to education. The award celebrates the commitment of both schools and their students to making a positive difference in the community.
With a commitment to giving back to the community and nurturing active citizenship in their students, the award is well-deserved recognition for our incredible school team, hardworking students, and the inclusive and enriching environment we foster every day.
Guided by the Student Council, students are empowered to lead and make a positive impact both in school and on the wider community during their time at Willow Tree Park, choosing their own community service initiatives and organising projects. Our students have already organised initiatives such as crafting dementia fiddle pads for residents of local care homes and knitting hats, cannula sleeves, and blankets for the nearby neonatal unit. These projects not only provide meaningful support to the community but also encourage our students to develop a lifelong sense of compassion, leadership, and service.
Willow Tree Park offer a wide range of enrichment activities to students to encourage them to actively contribute to the community. There is a ‘Yearly School Community & Charity Activities Timetable’ set out to give students multiple opportunities to get involved in community projects, as well as the school allotment where students grow produce to donate to the local foodbank, the sponsorship of an animal each year at Walton Gardens’ petting zoo and their community library and book exchange box.
Headteacher at Willow Tree Park, Alicia Highton, was thrilled to have received the award, saying: “Achieving the Social Impact Award is a testament to our school’s commitment to making a real difference beyond the classroom. It reflects the passion, hard work, and compassion of our entire school community. We’re proud to be recognized for turning values into action and inspiring change where it matters most.”
We are so proud of all of the team and students at Willow Tree Park for their hard work and dedication to making active contributions to the community.
