Kerala Cultural Association Ipswich

Mission

The Kerala Community Supplementary School is an integral part of the Kerala Cultural Association (KCA). Operating as a registered charitable organisation within the wider KCA framework, the school makes a valuable contribution to the Association’s mission of cultural enrichment, education and community engagement.

Since its establishment in 2010, the school’s main activities have been based at St Albans High School, Ipswich. Over the years, different venues have also been utilised to accommodate the growing community and respond to the evolving educational, cultural and social needs of our children and wider membership.

The dedicated management committee of KCA & KCSS is committed to continuous improvement, striving to enhance standards and deliver greater quality across the association and supplementary school each year.

We remain open to new ideas, innovative approaches and emerging technologies, recognising their importance in supporting continued growth, enhancing our programmes and keeping the association and supplementary school responsive to the changing needs of our community.

Kerala Community Supplementary School

KCSS laid its foundation as a supplementary school based at one of our main school — St Alban’s Catholic High School, Digby Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 3NG in 2010.

KCSS has been a member of the National Resource Centre for Supplementary Schools (NRCCS) and received Gold award for the portfolio and the British Academy School Language award in 2012. KCSS is currently a member of SAFECIC, reflecting its commitment to maintaining appropriate standards, safeguarding, good governance and the effective delivery of its activities.

KCSS currently utilises a range of suitable venues for its diverse activities, enabling the organisation to accommodate the continued growth of the community and respond effectively to the evolving needs of children, young people and other members.

The supplementary school has its strong constitution and regulations. It enhances the skills and talents of young children and adults by empowering their participation in various activities such as classical and Bollywood dance, drama, music and arts. The supplementary school provides opportunity for children to be part of the wider community and learn to live safely in the multicultural society.

Adult volunteers are the backbone of KCSS and make a vital contribution to the successful delivery of its educational, arts and cultural programmes. Their dedication, commitment and active involvement enable the school to provide a safe, supportive and enriching environment for children and young people. Safeguarding is paramount across all KCSS activities, with the wellbeing, safety and protection of every child placed at the heart of every activity the school conducts.

We aim to conduct various training and developmental programmes and activities for adult, family, children and young people including seminars, discussion, workshops and parenting classes as and when opportunity arises.

Aims & Objectives

• To provide out of school learning, leisure, educational and personal development activities and programmes for children & young adults between the ages of 5 & 18, supporting their development, wellbeing, skills and engagement with Kerala’s cultural heritage.
• To promote healthy lifestyles among children & young people.
• To make awareness among community members, children and young people about citizenship, human values, community cohesion and tolerance.
• To promote British culture and values among the community members particularly among children & young people by keeping traditional Indian culture and values.
• To provide a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment in which children and young people can develop their confidence, skills, talents and cultural awareness.
• Our safeguarding practices are underpinned by current statutory guidance, including the principles set out in ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ and relevant safeguarding guidance for educational settings in England.
• To provide opportunities, help and advice to children and young people to participate in wide range of community activities and voluntary work in the local area and National level as appropriate.
• To formulate a Volunteer Group within the community members to participate in wider community activities in association with local partners and other groups.

Projects & Activities

• “Catch them young & talent hunt” – Promoting and facilitating young people’s varied skills, knowledge and talents.
• Develop and improve dance skills in both classical and Bollywood styles, motivate other disciplinary sports such as karate, badminton and musical skills such as keyboards.
• Community participation and partnership work with the Local Authority, local Schools and other Voluntary and Community Groups