In this episode of The MAT Unpacked, Ed Nell and Chris Whiting are in Walthamstow for a second conversation with Sacha Corcoran MBE, CEO of Big Creative Academy Trust, this time focusing on SEND provision, genuine inclusion and what it takes to support the most complex young people in the system.
Sacha pulls no punches about the funding gap, the broken EHCP system and a culture in parts of education that gives up on young people too quickly. But she also shares what Big Creative Academy has built in response and what the results actually show.
Key Takeaways
No young person is unteachable - all behaviour is communication.
When a student is disruptive, the job is to work out what they are trying to say, not find a reason to remove them. Exclusion is an absolute last resort at Big Creative Academy, not a management tool.
The wellbeing provision here is entirely self-funded - and entirely intentional.
None of the safe spaces, art therapists, mental health workers or learning coaches are funded by the DfE. Sasha has chosen to allocate budget to them because the needs of the students demand it.
Art therapy fills a gap the NHS can no longer cover.
Most 16 to 19 year olds do not meet the threshold for CAMHS support. Big Creative has brought in art therapy as an alternative, allowing young people to process and express through painting, music or spoken word rather than a traditional counselling model.
SEND students here achieve at the same rate as the rest of the student population.
The support model works. SEN students also tend to have better attendance - because they know they are going to get what they need when they walk through the door.
Key Moments
\"No young person is in a position where they can't be taught. Every young person can be taught.\"
\"All behaviour is communication. You might not like it - but they're telling you something.\"
\"I told him I'm not giving up on you. You're going to hate me because you're going to keep seeing me.\"
\"I've got two years to transform their lives and send them out as constructive members of society.\"
About The MAT Unpacked
The MAT Unpacked explores what effective leadership and governance look like inside Multi Academy Trusts. Hosted by Ed Nell and featuring regular co-host Chris Whiting from Academy Advisory, each episode brings together trust leaders and sector specialists to share practical insights, real experiences and lessons learned from across the education system. The aim is simple - to open up conversations about how trusts can operate more effectively and ultimately improve outcomes for learners.
How to Get in Touch
To learn more about Academy Advisory or connect with the team:
Website: academyadvisory.com
LinkedIn: Academy Advisory
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