A NEW school has opened in Thurrock to meet the needs of children who require additional support.

Olive Academies Independent Schools Trust (OAIST), in partnership with Thurrock Council, has opened OA-North View, an alternative provision independent school for boys and girls in years seven to 11. It can accommodate up to 24 students.

An official opening took place recently at the school site on North View Avenue, Tilbury, attended by Trust members, Thurrock council representatives including education director Michelle Lucas and borough MP Jen Craft.

A statement from OAIST says: "This new setting has been created to meet Thurrock's growing need for high-quality provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs who require additional support to help them succeed in education and beyond.

"OA-North View provides a safe, nurturing and ambitious environment where children and young people can build their confidence, develop resilience and thrive.

"At the heart of the school is a strong therapeutic core, built upon three pillars:

• Outstanding education – providing a broad curriculum and a focus on both academic learning and social-emotional development.
• Excellent support in local school – through outreach, reintegration support and guidance to help staff work effectively with pupils who need additional support.
• Exceptional training and professional development – enabling professionals across the region to better understand and respond to pupils' needs.

Mark Vickers, CEO of Olive Academies and Trustee of OAIST Board, said: "I'm delighted to see OA-North View open its doors. This school is the result of our strong partnership with Thurrock Council and will give pupils in need of additional support a safe, nurturing space to grow and thrive.

"I'm grateful for the trust and collaboration shown by colleagues in making this vision a reality."

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Kerry Geary, Head of School, said: "It's been wonderful to welcome our first pupils. OA-North View is about more than just education - it's about creating the right environment for young people to feel supported, understood and ready to achieve great things."

Thurrock Council, said: "OA-North View demonstrates our longstanding partnership with Olive Academies and our shared commitment to inclusive, high-quality education for pupils with SEMH needs. I'm incredibly proud of what this facility stands for - a promise to our young people that they matter and can achieve their potential."

And Mrs Craft added: "It was a pleasure to attend the opening of OA-North View. This new school will play a vital role in meeting the needs of students in Thurrock who require additional support, giving them the opportunity to thrive.

"The students I met were a credit to the school and its staff, and I look forward to following the school's positive impact for young people in our community."

OA-North View will also serve as a hub of expertise, enabling schools across Thurrock to access tailored interventions, share best practice and benefit from training to strengthen their capacity to meet the needs of pupils requiring extra help.

At the end of the opening ceremony Michelle Lucas, Mark Vickers and Jen Craft buried a time capsule in the school grounds.

The statement from OAIST concluded: "This new school reflects the longstanding collaboration between Olive Academies and Thurrock Council, demonstrating a shared commitment to early intervention and building capacity to ensure pupils who need additional support can thrive."

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