Heroes of 2021: James Husbands and team, Willoughby Academy

‘Heroes of 2021’ is IMPOWER’s annual end of year celebration, acknowledging the fantastic individuals and teams we have worked with this year. We are inspired by the passion and commitment of all our partners to deliver better outcomes for their citizens, but IMPOWER colleagues have nominated clients who have particularly stood out to them this year. 

Nominated by: Chloe Saunders

Pictured: David Tebbutt, Vicki Billyard James Husbands.

My Heroes of 2021 nomination goes to James Husbands and the team at Willoughby Academy – a special school in Lincolnshire.

Working in the Business Services team at IMPOWER, I hear a lot about the fantastic work that our clients and partners do, but rarely get to see it in action. In October, I was delighted to get the opportunity to visit colleagues that have been part of our Valuing SEND work in Lincolnshire, and was struck by their sheer dedication to improving lives for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

James Husbands (Headteacher) and Evelyn Cox (SEN Co-ordinator – SENCO) took part in a video interview, talking about their roles and the transitions to mainstream school they have supported. They clearly have every child’s best interests at heart when reviewing needs and determining which setting they would thrive most in, at that particular point in their life.

When we were given a tour of the school, I was impressed with the variety of teaching styles and subjects going on. There was a clear educational focus on Black History Month weaved into various classes – for example, in a food class the children were making Nigerian Chin Chins and learning about Nigerian culture. It was great to see this embedded in Willoughby’s classes.

Thank you so much to James, Evelyn and the team for welcoming myself and a fellow colleague to your school. Like all teachers supporting children with SEND, you are amazing at what you do and are true heroes!