Led by Academy Community Pioneer, Paula Garner, with support from Regional Community Development Manager, Julie Lloyd, the Friends of Penny Oaks group has flourished, bringing together an active group of parents who meet regularly to brainstorm and organise events that benefit both the school and the wider community.

The group now meets once a term and to tackle feelings of isolation and to strengthen relationships, a group trip to Haworth, home to the Bronte sisters, was recently enjoyed.

Co-op Academy Parkland kindly loaned their mini bus to enable the trip to go ahead which saw the parents enjoy a pottery painting session together and a spot of coffee and a slice of cake! 

Julie Lloyd, said: "Paula has had a massive impact in terms of parental engagement by getting the Friends of Penny Oaks group off the ground. Whilst the aim is for the group to be self-sufficient in the future, Paula is busy planning and facilitating other ways to promote positive mental health and parental engagement opportunities."