Appointment of new Headteacher

I am delighted to have been appointed as Headteacher at The Keystone Academy and am looking forward to taking up the position formally in January 2022.

I have been a teacher for 21 years, having taught the full age range from KS1-KS4 and more recently have been a leader in the Pupil Referral Unit in Blackpool.  For the last thirteen years in the PRU, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with wonderful young people and their families, all of whom have had such a variety of strengths and needs.  I am passionate about preparing young people with the skills to live a successful life and to realise their unique potential by supporting them to achieve their very best socially, emotionally and academically.

I am thrilled to be joining the team at The YES Trust and to have an opportunity to develop a school which will work in collaboration with the local authority to support and meet the needs of young people experiencing some form of neurodiversity, alongside their families.

Over recent years, I have been especially interested in seeking to understand children who haven’t yet been fully understood in school.  The Keystone Academy’s specialism in social, emotional and mental health needs and in particular, neurodiversity is exciting.  I believe that ‘all behaviour is a form of communication’ and as such I always strive to understand the bigger picture, working holistically with families and agencies wherever possible.

The YES Trust’s vision to develop a school that becomes the figurative ‘keystone’ for children, their families and support services will be at the heart of my practice.  I am committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the best opportunities and outcomes for all children in my care and as such, I’m genuinely looking forward to meeting the children, their families and getting to know the local community too.

Ali Bellaby – Headteacher