At Furrowfield School, partnership working is fundamental to our vision of improving life chances for every student. In line with the expectations of Ofsted, we recognise that the most successful outcomes are achieved when schools, families, services and communities work together with a shared ambition for young people. Guided by our ethos of "Together We Succeed", we have established strong partnerships locally, regionally and nationally to support the academic, social, emotional and personal development of our students.
Working with Schools to Improve Outcomes
As a specialist SEMH school, we are committed to sharing expertise and supporting colleagues across primary and secondary education. We work alongside schools throughout Gateshead and beyond to develop a deeper understanding of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and to promote inclusive practice that enables all children and young people to thrive.
We are proud to be part of the Belong Gateshead Pilot Group, working collaboratively with education partners to strengthen inclusive practice and improve outcomes for vulnerable learners. Through this work, we support both primary and secondary schools in developing trauma-informed approaches, helping educational settings understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences and creating environments where students feel safe, understood and able to achieve success.
We also work closely with secondary schools on curriculum development and qualification pathways for students with additional needs. Through professional collaboration, we help schools develop ambitious and inclusive curricula that provide appropriate challenge whilst meeting individual needs. This includes supporting the use of AQA Unit Awards, ensuring students can gain meaningful accreditation for academic achievement, personal development, vocational learning and life skills, whilst building confidence and aspirations for the future.
Working with Health and NHS Services
The health and wellbeing of our students are central to our work. We collaborate closely with a range of NHS services and healthcare professionals, ensuring that students and families have access to specialist support that promotes positive physical, emotional and mental health.
Through our partnerships with school nursing services, mental health professionals, therapists and wider healthcare teams, we support early intervention, improve access to services and help remove barriers to learning. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive coordinated support that enhances wellbeing, attendance, engagement and educational outcomes.
Working with SEND Services and Local Authority Partners
Furrowfield School works closely with the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Team within Gateshead Council, as well as colleagues from neighbouring local authorities, to ensure students receive high-quality support throughout their educational journey.
Our partnership with local authority services allows us to work effectively as part of multi-agency teams, ensuring students receive appropriate interventions, support and guidance that meet their individual needs. Through collaborative planning, Education, Health and Care Plan reviews and regular communication, we work together to secure the best possible outcomes for young people and their families.
We also work closely with the Gateshead Local Offer (Local Choices) and a wide range of external agencies to ensure that parents, carers and families have access to comprehensive support, advice and guidance. We believe that informed and empowered families are better able to support their children, and we strive to connect families to services that enhance wellbeing, development and future opportunities.
Community Partnerships
Learning extends far beyond the classroom, and our community partnerships provide valuable opportunities for students to develop knowledge, skills, confidence and citizenship.
We are proud to work with the Royal British Legion, supporting students' understanding of remembrance, service, community and respect. Through participation in remembrance events and educational projects, students develop empathy, historical understanding and an appreciation of the sacrifices made by others.
Our partnerships with Washington in Bloom, Northumbria in Bloom and Britain in Bloom provide exciting opportunities for students with interests in gardening, horticulture, environmental sustainability, conservation and volunteering. Through these projects, students engage in meaningful outdoor learning, contribute positively to their communities and develop practical skills, teamwork, resilience and confidence. These experiences support both personal development and future employability whilst promoting wellbeing through engagement with nature and outdoor environments.
Families at the Heart of Our Community
Most importantly, we work in close partnership with our parents, carers and families. We recognise that families know their children best and are essential partners in securing positive outcomes. Building strong relationships based on trust, communication and mutual respect is at the heart of everything we do.
We are committed to listening to families, involving them in decision-making and ensuring they feel informed, valued and supported throughout their child's journey at Furrowfield School. By working together, we develop a shared understanding of each student's strengths, aspirations and individual needs, enabling us to provide the right support at the right time.
At Furrowfield School, we are more than a school; we are a community with real ambition for every student. Together with families, professionals, schools, health services and community organisations, we are determined to ensure that our young people leave us with the qualifications, confidence, resilience, independence and personal skills needed to achieve the best possible life chances.
Through collaboration, inclusion and high expectations, we ensure that every student is prepared for adulthood, further education, employment and life beyond school.
Together We Succeed. Together We Belong.