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Community Development Team

Meet our Community Team!
We work for Co-op Academies Trust to help form the Academies community strategy.


We help the academy build strong connections with the local community and support Co-op's goals of:

  • Providing access to food
  • Supporting mental wellbeing
  • Creating opportunities for young people

We're here to make sure the school is a central part of its community, supporting the region with its challenges. We find ways to improve the wellbeing of local residents, families and especially young people!

The Team

Liz Garrity

Head of Community Development and Regional Community Development Manager for Staffordshire

Formerly the Head of the Co-op Young Leaders, Liz was also part of the team at Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent as Director of Recruitment and Transition.
 

Deborah Zaher

Regional Community Development Manager for Merseyside

Deborah joins the Trust with plenty of Community experience and knowledge from her role as the Member Pioneer Co-ordinator for Wirral and Chester.

William Goodrum

Regional Community Development Manager for West Yorkshire

Will brings experience in community engagement, school partnerships and creative projects from his time with Community Trusts, school lettings and creative agencies.

Daryl Tomlinson

Regional Community Development Manager for Greater Manchester

Daryl has moved across from the Brand and Engagement Team where he was the Regional Manager for Staffordshire and Merseyside. 

Four Priorities that the team are working towards

Parental Engagement
  • Parental Attendance at School Events
  • Communication Response Rate
  • Parental Feedback and Satisfaction
  • Parental Involvement in Decision-Making

Measure the extent of which parents and carers attend events; engage with the academy and participate in initiatives.

Community Participation
  • Local Partnerships
  • Community Event Attendance
  • Community Resource Sharing
  • Community Support for Educational Goals 

Gauge the extent of community participation and the impact of the community offer in the educational process.

Educational Attainment
  • Improve Attendance
  • Improve Opportunities for Self-Esteem and Confidence
  • Support Literacy Projects
  • Reduce NEETS

Support improvements in educational attainment, including increased school attendance, higher graduation rates, and improved literacy.

Impact Quality of Life
  • Continued Community Engagement
  • Educational Attainment
  • Community Partnerships
  • Social and Cultural Impact
  • Legacy Programs

Support improvements in educational attainment, including increased school attendance, higher graduation rates, and improved literacy.

Read some of the blog posts about the great work the Community team is involved in.