Snowdon Village hosted a visit from Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen from Avon and Somerset Constabulary at Bristol Futures Academy for a tour of the school, as well as talking with students and senior team.
Students showed exemplary behaviour, engaging enthusiastically with questions about her role in policing and her experiences. The inspiring session left a lasting impression on everyone, and Chief Inspector Hayward-Melen has already planned a return visit before Christmas.
The visit also included a meeting between Chief Inspector Hayward-Melen, Jess Curtis from the Bristol Safeguarding in Education Team and Alex Davies, Principal of Snowdon Village. Together, they explored opportunities to strengthen partnerships between the school and the police, with a shared goal of enhancing support for students facing disadvantage.
Chief Inspector Hayward-Melen’s dedication to supporting young people was clearly evident, and the team left the meeting excited about potential collaborations.
One of the visit’s highlights came when Chief Inspector Hayward-Melen joined our students on the football field, taking a turn in goal.
During this next visit, she will lead an oracy and student voice workshop to hear students’ perspectives on how policing could be improved for young people.
Additionally, Chief Inspector Hayward-Melen’s team has generously offered to conduct a professional development session with students during January’s INSET Day. This session, designed to strengthen the school’s safeguarding practices, will be open to Designated Safeguarding Leads from Snowdon Village and its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.
Alex Davies, Principal of Snowdon Village, said, “We are thrilled to build stronger connections with Chief Inspector Melen and her team. This visit marks the beginning of an exciting partnership focused on empowering students, enhancing their voices, and building trust and understanding between young people and the police.”
“We look forward to many future opportunities to work together to create positive change for our young people.”