Newsletters

30/7/25

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Caroline Durns, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the Deputy Headteacher at The Turnaround Centre. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I have had the privilege of working in various educational settings, primarily in Drama and Performing Arts within mainstream secondary schools. Eight years ago, I joined Brownhill as an Assistant Headteacher, focusing on primary education, and I am now excited to combine my skills in leading our new Turnaround Centre.

I extend a warm welcome to you as we embark on this remarkable journey together. At The Turnaround Centre, we are dedicated to developing an inspiring environment for our students, where we will build our provision from the ground up. We will welcome Year 1 to Year 10 students who will participate in a bespoke 'turnaround' programme, specifically designed to equip them with the necessary skills to become 'mainstream ready'. We recognise that some of our learners may require additional time and personalised support tailored to their unique needs, and we are committed to ensuring their success as they prepare for a brighter future.

In addition to our secondary provision, we will also cater for primary children who have been permanently excluded, ensuring they receive the vital support needed for either reintegration into mainstream education or an alternative pathway that best suits their individual circumstances. Furthermore, we will offer educational tuition and online learning opportunities for pupils unable to attend school due to medical reasons, alongside those at Raise Rochdale who require online access for various purposes.

Moreover, we intend to establish an introductory centre where children who have faced permanent exclusion will undergo assessments to determine their ideal pathway within their Raise Rochdale journey. This comprehensive approach aims to create an inclusive and supportive educational environment for every child.

I am truly looking forward to heading up this exciting new provision at our Saxon Hall site and would like to invite you to a welcome evening on Thursday 11th September at 4.15pm. I am determined that, along with our dedicated team of professionals, we will work tirelessly to ensure the very best for your child and their future.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at cdurns@theblc.org.uk. I welcome and encourage open communication as we work together to support your children's educational journey.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Durns
Deputy Headteacher
Raise Rochdale Pupil Referral Service

Turnaround Centre