I am writing to express my gratitude to J and C Academy for the quick response they made to my               request for a female sports instructor.  We are a small referral centre who has up to seven permanently excluded pupils from mainstream secondary schools sent to us. The majority of our intake are boys but occasionally and without much notice a female may be referred.  This is the reason why we had to specifically ask for a female instructor.  Our last female instructor left her agency at very short notice and so we were glad when J &C Academy were able to send us a replacement so quickly.

The member of staff sent to us by J &C Academy was able to work with our pupils with confidence, setting firm boundaries but at the same time being very approachable. Within a short time pupils were asking whether she would be present at the session.  She was able to join in with the existing male members of staff and take the lead in a number of sports including football, basketball and badminton.

I have found the member of staff to be extremely reliable and punctual. She has not missed one session which has been helpful to us. Introducing a new member of staff on the day we go off site for sports could be problematic to pupils with behavioural difficulties.  She has always sought to keep our pupils safe both within the sports session and on the journeys to and from the centre.

We have been kept informed about sports events in and around Brent by the member of staff sent to us by J&C Academy and she has encouraged our pupils to take part in these activities out of school hours.

I will certainly be recommending J&C Academy to the other off-site units as I have found the response from the office to be very efficient. The member of staff sent to us has been liked and appreciated by staff and pupils.

Abi Eke

Ashley Gardens Primary School