Our Children 1st Multi Academy Trust
Making a real difference in the lives of the pupils and families we serve
Our Children 1st Multi Academy Trust believes we can achieve even more for our children and families by focusing together on the areas that matter most. We are currently a small trust with ambitions to grow — and to welcome new members who share our vision.
Our Children 1st MAT — Company Number: 10631500 — Registered Address: Pallister Park Primary School, Gribdale Road, Pallister Park, Middlesbrough, TS3 8PW
Our strategic aims
What we are working towards
Improving outcomes and opportunities for all children
Becoming a centre of excellence for inclusion, responsive to the changing landscape in SEND
Being the employer of choice — investing in our people as a supportive team that encourages professional development
Maintaining a financially viable, sustainable and ethically driven organisation
Being rooted in the communities our schools serve, and ensuring a strong voice for all our stakeholders
How we deliver our aims
Our approach across five areas
Outcomes & opportunities
Robust analysis of performance, sharing best practice across schools, building leadership capacity, strong curriculum development and enriching opportunities for every child.
Inclusive practice
Targeted staffing for SEND, an experienced SEND team, outside support networks, and promoting outreach opportunities across our schools.
Our workforce
Recruiting and retaining high-quality staff, offering apprenticeships, flexible working, reducing workload, and exploring the use of AI to work smarter.
Financial sustainability
Strategic budget forecasting, effective financial processes audited regularly, and a focus on community and local sustainability.
Serving our communities
Investment in EYFS, community events, strong feeder secondary links, development of additional provision in partnership with other establishments.
Joining the trust
Interested in joining OC1st?
We are a small trust with ambitions to grow, and we welcome conversations with schools who share our vision. If you are considering joining a multi-academy trust, we would be keen to open a dialogue — with no pressure and no hard sell. We do not have a one-size-fits-all approach, so we start by understanding what we can genuinely offer one another.
As we get to know each other, we can explore informal collaboration opportunities that could be mutually beneficial before any formal commitment is discussed.
Informal collaboration opportunities
Sharing specialist teaching and facilities
Joint CPD for teachers and leaders
Extended school provision
Curriculum development
ICT support
Expertise in Inclusion and SEND
Shared central services — ICT, contracts, finance, premises
Associate membership
We understand that joining a trust is a significant decision. Following initial explorations, schools can join as an associate member first — giving time and space to gain reassurance before any deeper commitment is made.
Full membership
When the time is right, associate members can take the next step to full trust membership following a thorough due diligence process. Our aim throughout is an open, transparent dialogue to determine if we are the right long-term fit for your school community.
Interested in starting a conversation? Get in touch via the school office — 01642 242174 or contactus@oc1st.co.uk