What does LDST mean in SCHOOLS

LDST provides a wide range of educational services across its 19 academies, including curriculum development, assessment, CPD training, support for academy improvement and financial management. We also offer a range of services to pupils such as pastoral care, extra-curricular activities and extended learning opportunities.

All academies within the LDST network are ultimately responsible to the board of trustees. Each academy has local governing bodies (LGBs) who are also accountable to the board of trustees. The fundamental purpose of an LGB is to help its school improve so that every child can reach their true potential.

Yes – we provide additional educational opportunities for our pupils through our Extended Learning Hubs (ELHs). ELHs foster collaboration between different classrooms where pupils work together on innovative projects with real-world applications. This helps to promote an attitude of curiosity and exploration and encourages students to ask questions about their learning journey.

Yes – all our academies have extensive access arrangements in place for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEN/D). This includes individualised support plans, specialist equipment, dedicated teaching assistants, small group tuition sessions and other tailored interventions depending on need. We also have highly trained SENCOs available across all our academies who can provide further advice on SEN/D provision.

The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is paramount at all our academies. To make sure this is upheld we have stringent safeguarding procedures in place which cover recruiting suitable staff members, adopting safe practices online, providing training for staff members on safeguarding principles and responding appropriately if concerns arise. All teachers must undergo regular checks against relevant criminal records databases prior to being employed.

Our core values focus around Respect; Excellence; Inclusion; Courage; Accountability; Care; Innovation; Creativity; Ambition; Integrity; Justice and Aspiration.

Our schools draw upon a variety of different resources including up-to-date learning materials developed by experts in literacy, numeracy and technology as well as curriculum planning tools which help teachers create innovative lesson plans. Students also have access to e-learning resources such as interactive apps which support independent study both inside and outside school hours.

Yes – we understand that strong collaboration with parents plays an important role in helping ensure positive outcomes for pupils. We therefore conduct regular meetings between teachers, parents/carers and pupils so that parents can be kept up-to-date with their child’s progress at school as well as having any questions answered they may have regarding their child’s education.