PCC welcomes new PCSO to support pupils with complex needs

Suffolk’s PCC Tim Passmore met Stacey Harvey the new, dedicated PCSO, funded by the Raedwald Trust to work in their schools with pupils with behavioural issues and special educational needs.

The Raedwald Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust which delivers alternative provision, is fully funding a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) to cement the vital link between local services and the Trust. The PCSO will provide full-time support for pupils and staff across the Trust’s schools in Ipswich.

PCSO Harvey, will work closely pupils who have a wide range of complex needs including exclusion from mainstream school, behavioural issues, short and long-term illness, and special educational needs. The Raedwald Trust’s commitment to funding a dedicated PCSO will help to establish positive relationships between vulnerable pupils and local services, as well as supporting staff with safeguarding, and educating pupils on the role of the police in the community.

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said: “Having a dedicated PCSO to work with the Raedwald Trust is something I’ve been working on with partners for some time and this new appointment is excellent news.

“From my conversations with the Trust’s board members and the Headteachers, I know the PCSO’s input and commitment will be hugely beneficial for pupils and the wider community.”

Angela Ransby, CEO of The Raedwald Trust, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Stacey as a dedicated PCSO for The Raedwald Trust. She will be a great asset to our teams across the Trust and will work with us in delivering a safe and effective learning environment for pupils, as well as educating pupils on the positive role of the police and the law.”

Sergeant Matt Paisley will be supervising the PCSO as part of Suffolk Police’s Neighbourhood and Partnership Team. Sergeant Paisley said: “The addition of Stacey as a PCSO provides a welcome addition to our ongoing engagement work with schools, other educational establishments and young people across the county. It is important for the Constabulary to work with partners to ensure that we support the education of children and young people and play our part in equipping them with the knowledge and understanding they need in today’s society. We understand the challenges that exist across the wider spectrum of education, and Stacey’s work with the Raedwald trust will help to address some of these. The lessons we have learned from our three dedicated Schools PCSOs will be invaluable in this new endeavour. We are very confident that the work Stacey does with the young people will be hugely beneficial, positive and productive for everyone concerned and we wish her well in her exciting and challenging new role.”

Photo caption L-R: Tim Passmore (Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk), with Angela Ransby (CEO, Raedwald Trust), PCSO Stacey Harvey and Superintendent Kerry Cutler at Suffolk Police Headquarters.