Testimonials
This page has testimonials from past students and others working with The Pavilion.
Students' Comments:
I was scared to go to the Meadway but it was ok being there. All the teachers were nice and much nicer than the teachers in my otter school. I enjoyed boxing with Leon, Fatima helped me with English even when other children were being difficult. I enjoyed cooking with Janet. I played table tennis with Ricky which was fun. Thank you everyone at the Meadway, I am getting used to my new school now but I think of Meadway often.
"Before starting Pavilion in 2012, I went to Hendon School. My behaviour was never threatening or dangerous, I just preferred things to be on my terms and, in that sense, I was out of control. I knew exactly how to waste everybody’s time for no apparent reason and was typically quite loud and frustrating; obviously at the time I thought I was funny. School was more somewhere I went to socialise than to learn; education never appealed to me as something worth investing my time into. When I started at the Pavilion, I made friends quite quickly; the support provided to assure that happened was more than in any mainstream school I’d been in. The Pavilion worked really closely with us, such as one-on-one mentoring sessions, and the smaller classes helped us learn without feeling crowded. I left Pavilion with enough GCSE’s to move on to do A-levels and I’m now studying Law, Politics and English Language at 6th form. The bond I built with some of the teachers as good friends will stay with me forever and I often call to talk if I have any issues, despite being at a new school. I genuinely believe the time I spent at the PRU gave me some of the best memories and experiences I’ve had, and I’m so grateful for all the help I received there. Without the PRU, I honestly would not be in the position I am in now." Talia, aged 18 years.
'Pavilion have helped me get back into school by supporting me making sure I don't make the same mistakes again. I miss the staff there.' Vivien U, Year 9 now at St. James' School
Parents'/Carers' Comments:
Although the circumstances for Dior attending the Meadway were in my view unjustified Dior enjoyed his time there and for the first time said "mum I don't feel thick there cause the teachers help!" He is now finding his feet in his new school and always refers back to the Meadway setting on most days. The staff were very welcoming and caring towards Dior, as a parent this meant a lot as he had been through a hard time in his previous school with both students and staff. Thank you Kevin and all staff at the Meadway
“The Pavilion helped my son enormously with learning and the support he received from his teachers. He achieved his GCSEs which gave him such a boost. He’s now working for the NHS”. Alice, parent of Joe Ramos (left in 2017)
“Where do I start? The Pavilion helped Elliot a lot. I'm really grateful for your support. He’s doing really well now, he's at Capel Manor College studying to be a tree surgeon. He’s also gone back to do his English and his Maths. He goes 3 days a week and then moved in up a level so he's doing really well. “ Jennifer Tan, mother of Elliot Tan, former student (left in 2019)
Comments from schools who have engaged with respite programmes :
Sometimes, schools sending students to us write to us, saying what impact or benefit the student had, from being at the Pavilion.
Here are some of their quotes:
“The best PRUs (like the ones I have worked with in Barnet and Redbridge) do an awe-inspiring job in transforming the life chances of the most vulnerable learners who are often on a path to self-destruction prior to this vital intervention. It requires the best skilled and focused input from highly skilled and emotionally resilient teachers to inspire such change and it is a privilege to work with the people and schools who make this possible. There has never been a more challenging time to work with the most vulnerable in education and examples of such outstanding practice as we have in Barnet need to be acknowledged, understood and celebrated.”
Headteacher at Christ’s College, Finchley
“If I’m being honest, I’m not sure how we would manage without the help, support, advice and guidance from all associated with the PRU. The PRU offers us the facility to be able to intervene and refer students before they become involved in more serious issues, be it gangs, drugs or the risk of PEx. We can evidence many success stories where the preventative work of the PRU have got students back on track and engaged in full time mainstream education.
They are a huge asset to the borough”
Deputy Headteacher at East Barnet School
“Staff are experts at managing vulnerable young people by creating personalised packages of support which are tailored to meet individual needs. Staff always take a balanced approach to this support - making sure that they balance the needs of the individual with the needs of the whole school. Their tailored support is always built around aspiration and achievement and includes support for emotional health and wellbeing and how young people can keep themselves safe-as individuals in the community and in the broader social context.”
Associate Headteacher at The Compton School
“A huge amount of intervention was put in place as well as ways of Max managing his anger. Ms Murray also took part in the sessions held at Meadway .Max seems calmer and far more communicative than he was before being at Meadway – he can formulate an answer to questions and he isn’t quite as argumentative when he is pulled up on his behaviour falling below expectations. Thank you.”
Jcoss
“The pavilion is always very supportive to our school and keeps us updated with progress and communication is excellent”
Christ College
“The whole process was well organised and communication was clear at all times.”
Copthall
Hendon
“From the feedback from Maisie, The Pavilion and parents, Maisie made very good progress with regards to her learning and engagement.”