Suzanne O'Neill

About Me

I joined the Basildon Academies in 2009 and have held varied Pastoral leadership roles through middle and senior leadership. During this time I have had extensive training in safeguarding, Prevent, recognising risky behaviours and identifying a variety of barriers to student progress.

I have played an active part in developing our Attitude for Learning policy, implemented strategies to improve student development, behaviour and welfare which played a key role in establishing the academy as a ‘Good’ school.

My attendance strategies and working with outside agencies has seen our attendance improve by 10% in 4 years; taking us above national average.

I have established a close working relationship with the Diana Award Charity who has supported our Anti-bullying Ambassador programme. This programme has supported students at the Academies recognise the impact of bullying has developed leadership roles for students. Students that have taken part in the anti-bullying training support their peers and primary students from feeder schools in addressing issues around bullying. This programme has been highly praised by Ofsted. The Academies is 1 of 8 schools across the country that has been accredited by the Diana Awards for their anti-bullying strategies.

I also supported the school in achieving a Silver Award in UNICEF’s Respecting Rights Schools Award.

As the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead I am confident and competent in delivering training to staff through a well-structured CPD and to students through development days.