Laura Carr – Director of Safeguarding, Attendance, Risk & Welfare
I joined Venn Academy Trust in June 2024, bringing with me 16 years of experience across Primary, Secondary, and Further Education settings, as well as invaluable knowledge from my role as Head of Education Safeguarding within the Local Authority. My role as Director of Safeguarding, Attendance, Risk, and Welfare is integral to the trust’s mission—ensuring that our most vulnerable learners receive the support they need to thrive and succeed.
With my extensive background, I understand the complexities of safeguarding and welfare, particularly within some of the most deprived areas of our city. I focus on providing meaningful support for learners facing the greatest challenges, working to ensure their safety and well-being are at the forefront of everything we do.
When I saw the role advertised, I recognised it as the perfect opportunity to bring my unique skills and experience to Venn. Since joining, the trust has given me the flexibility and support to shape and develop the role in ways that best meet the needs of our students. This trust and freedom have allowed me to focus on managing complex and challenging situations while driving positive outcomes for students and their families.
Venn’s commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is one of its greatest strengths. My own professional growth is a testament to the trust’s investment in its people. Most importantly, Venn is a place where everyone—from staff to leadership—genuinely cares about the children, staff, and communities we support. That level of care is not just valuable—it’s transformative.
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“The school expects great things from all pupils. They successfully meet these goals and make superb progress in their understanding of different subjects.”
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“Staff are skilled at helping pupils to re-engage with their learning and make good progress.”
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“Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling them to succeed academically and personally.”
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“The school provides high-quality nurture and skilled support, ensuring pupils flourish both academically and personally.”
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“Parents value the commitment of staff in helping their children to succeed.”
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“The school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils with a range of additional needs.”
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“There is a strong team culture within the school. Teachers who are new to the school welcome the support they receive.”
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“Highly effective and passionate leaders, from in school and the trust, work well together to ensure that pupils in this school make very strong progress from their varied starting points.”
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“Relationships between staff and pupils are extremely caring and positive. Pupils feel safe and supported, preparing them well for life beyond school.”
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“The curriculum is designed to ensure that all children make progress in their learning.”
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“There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, which contributes to the school’s positive ethos.”
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“Pupils love learning at this school. Each morning, friendly staff greet children at the door with big smiles. This creates a welcoming and positive environment for all pupils.”
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“Pupils thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
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“Leaders consider teachers’ workload. This helps teachers to focus on planning interesting lessons.”
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“The school’s values of ‘confidence, resilience and perseverance’ shine through the curriculum and the positive attitudes of staff and pupils.”
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“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and enjoy the varied and engaging curriculum on offer.”
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“Parents and carers appreciate the school’s focus on building strong relationships and engaging with the wider community.”
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“Pupils are eager to learn and enjoy a curriculum that is both engaging and broad, supporting their academic and personal growth.”
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“The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”
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“Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning.”
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“Teachers help every pupil do their best. The staff know pupils’ needs extremely well and tailor learning to enable all pupils to thrive.”
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“They are committed to including all pupils in the school and work hard to ensure that they achieve well.”
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“Staff work effectively together to create a caring and inclusive environment where all pupils are valued.”
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“Strong leadership ensures that all pupils make excellent progress in their learning and personal development.”
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“Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share a determination to help children succeed.”
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“Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education, ensuring that all pupils achieve well.”
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“The school provides a highly nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported.”
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“Parents appreciate the school’s efforts to engage with families and build strong community links.”
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“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they show a strong sense of belonging to the school community.”
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“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.”
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“Leaders are ambitious for every pupil and provide a curriculum that meets their diverse needs.”
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“Teachers have high expectations, which encourages pupils to strive for their best.”
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“The school is a vibrant and welcoming place where pupils feel safe and supported.”