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Passmores Academy

Passmores Academy

Improving upon our best

Boys & Girls Clubs Essex Awards Event

Year 10 student, Lennan Parsons joined the staff from Rainbow Services at the Essex Boys & Girls Awards on Thursday 10th July.

Lennan thought he was there just to support Rainbow Services who had been nominated for an award, but it was actually Lennan who had been nominated by Rainbow Services for a Club Young Leader award and was successful in winning it!

Lennan Parsons was first referred to Rainbow Services (Harlow) in 2023, onto their Community Project. Passmores Academy knew it would provide Lennan with respite from a full-time timetable within a practical subject of interest, Carpentry.

Still in Year 9, Lennan did so well on this Community Project that Rainbow Services invited him back to further Community Projects, to mentor other students who would struggle within this practical provision.

Lennan then progressed on to be a Mentor for both the morning and afternoon Community Project sessions, during the entire Summer Term of 2024. This meant that Lennan would be at Rainbow Services from 9am until 4pm every Friday to assist other young people, many with additional learning needs and/or social anxiety. Staff very quickly discovered that Lennan positively excelled at supporting more vulnerable young people.

In September 2024, Lennan, then in Year 10, was again invited back to Mentor other young people and continues to be a Mentor at Rainbow Services to this day, confirming that not only do Rainbow Services staff value Lennan’s practical knowledge and skills within the workshop setting, but also his personable skills in support of others, which is indeed a huge accolade to someone so young.

Since first being referred to Rainbow Services in October 2023, Passmores Academy has noticed a huge difference in this young person’s attitude and approach towards his education. Lennan is calmer within himself and presents an increased maturity in response to staff, when responding to any difficult situations that may arise amongst students, in school. Lennan Parsons has impressed Rainbow Services and indeed his school, Passmores Academy. The Alternative Education Lead at Passmores Academy confirmed that the school was delighted and in full support of Lennan being nominated for a Leadership Award and so proud to hear that he won it!

So, from Rainbow Services, Passmores Academy and everyone at Essex Boys & Girls Clubs, a huge well done to Lennon Parsons.

Jo Busson

Alternative Education Lead