History & Milestones | Lotus Trust

2019
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Founding of the Lotus Academy Trust Ltd

Founders: The Lotus Academy Trust Ltd was founded by Mrs. Sandra Govender along with a group of passionate and dedicated individuals, referred to as the directors. These directors collectively brought over 150 years of combined experience and expertise in educational institutions.

Founding Date: The Lotus Academy Trust Ltd was founded in May 2019.

Core Aim: The core aim of the Trust, from its inception, has been to open educational establishments that prepare children and young people for life, with a particular focus on providing holistic, safe, rewarding, and personalised education and support, especially for vulnerable children and young people.

The vision for The Damara School emerged from the extensive experience of The Lotus Academy Trust's founding team, particularly CEO Mrs. Sandra Govender. With over 30 years in education spanning South Africa and England, Mrs. Govender recognized a growing need for specialized educational provision in Norfolk, particularly for children with social, emotional, and mental health challenges.
Following the establishment of The Lotus Academy Trust in May 2019, an intensive two-year planning phase began to create The Damara School. This critical period involved:

Developing the educational vision and therapeutic approach
Securing appropriate premises in Thetford
Navigating regulatory requirements and approvals
Establishing governance structures and policies
Recruiting specialized staff with expertise in special educational needs
Building community and business partnerships

Early Milestones & Establishment of The Damara School

Establishment of First School: Following its formation in May 2019, the Trust team worked to establish its first school.

The Damara School Registration: The Damara School, located in Thetford, Norfolk, was officially registered with the Department for Education in April 2021.

The Damara School Opening: The Damara School opened its doors to its first students in June 2021. This marked a significant milestone for The Lotus Academy Trust Ltd, realizing its initial goal of establishing a specialist educational institution.

March 10, 2021: The Damara School underwent its pre-registration inspection by Ofsted, a necessary step in the school registration process.

April 19, 2021: The Damara School was officially registered with the Department for Education, marking the culmination of meticulous planning and preparation.

June 2021: The Damara School opened its doors to its first students in its historic Bridge Street location.

September 2021: The school welcomed its first full cohort of six pupils and ten staff members. The opening day featured team-building activities specifically designed to build trust and form strong relationships—core principles of the school's educational philosophy.

During its first two years of operation, The Damara School established itself as a vital educational resource for the community, growing to serve 14 students with social, emotional, and mental health challenges.

March 8, 2022: The school held a special event to celebrate International Women's Day, demonstrating our commitment to inclusive values and community engagement.

November 22, 2022: A major milestone in the school's development came when The Damara School received its first full Ofsted inspection. The school was rated "Good" overall, with the report being published on January 17, 2023. This positive assessment validated our educational approach and the hard work of the entire school community.

2023: As part of the school's natural evolution and growth, a significant leadership transition occurred. While Sandra Govender continued as CEO of the Lotus Academy Trust, Kate Haley became Headteacher of The Damara School. This transition represented an important milestone in the school's organizational development, allowing for specialized focus on both Trust-wide strategic direction and school-level leadership.
Expansion and Future Vision (2023-Present)

October 2023: In a significant development for the school's future, The Damara School secured a lease agreement with Breckland Council to expand into The Maltings, a grade II listed building in Raymond Street, Thetford. This historic property, dating to the late 18th century and rebuilt in 1861, had previously been used as office and warehouse space.

Paul Hewitt, Executive Member for Property at Breckland Council, noted that "The lease of this building is a testament to the commitment of both Breckland Council and the Damara School to the betterment of the community. With this partnership, the school will be able to continue providing much-needed services to local children who may have otherwise struggled in traditional educational settings."

2023-2025: This expansion represented a major milestone in the school's journey, allowing The Damara School to more than double its capacity from 14 to 32 pupils—addressing a critical shortage of special educational needs places in Norfolk.

February 14, 2024: As part of the school's ongoing regulatory journey, The Damara School underwent an additional inspection by Ofsted, with the report published on March 20, 2024.

April 2025: The school's official address was listed as The Maltings, Raymond Street, Thetford, marking the successful completion of the relocation and expansion project.