Tata Consultancy Services is a long-standing Co-op Supplier, and our partnership continues to grow through close work between the Co-op Academies Trust and the Co-op. Together, we have built a strong group of support for schools right across our Trust.

Our Community Team has set out clear areas of need to help students feel confident and ready to learn. TCS has stepped in to help meet these needs in practical and thoughtful ways, showing the difference that co-operation can make.

At Co-op Academy Northwood, TCS colleagues collected a large range of hygiene products. These were organised by the Academy Community Pioneer (ACP), Vicky Dreya, into easy-to-take “grab bags”. They are placed in the academy office for any family to pick up when needed. For many families, these bags offer a simple and discreet way to access essentials, especially during the winter months.

TCS also supported children at Co-op Academy Hillside by donating kitchen utensils for the school’s mud kitchen. Staff said the utensils were “much needed”, and pupils wasted no time using them for imaginative outdoor play. From “lots of yummy cakes” to “creamy mashed potato”, the children came up with their own ideas and enjoyed hours of creative fun.

Students at Connell Co-op College have also benefited. TCS provided stationery packs, backpacks and notepads, which will form part of starter packs for new students joining the college. For young people moving from an academy into college, having these basics ready removes worry and allows them to focus on their learning from day one.

Liz Garrity, Head of Community at Co-op Academies Trust, said:

 “The generosity of TCS colleagues will ensure that we have ready-to-college packs, including stationery, backpacks and the things our students need to make a smooth transition.
As a Community Team, we see every day how collaboration with Co-op suppliers can have a far-reaching impact. It forms a vital part of the support we offer to students and families.”

TCS is equally proud of the partnership. Amy Shocker, Head of CSR for the UK and Ireland, shared:

 “Our partnership with the Co-op and the Co-op Academies Trust highlights our shared commitment to the communities where we live and work. As well as our STEM programmes and career insights for students across the Trust, contributing to activities like these collections is one of the ways we hope to support the aspirations of young people attending Co-op Academies.”

Local Community Development Managers have seen firsthand how the donations help families. Deborah Zaher, who supports academies in Merseyside and Stoke, said:

 “The hygiene grab bags at Northwood are a necessity for some families. They are especially needed at this time of year with Christmas coming up. Thank you, TCS, for your generous support.”

At Hillside, the excitement was clear as children shared their ideas for the new equipment. Sarah Lindsey Smith, from the academy, added:

 “The children have absolutely loved playing with the utensils in the mud kitchen. Thank you again for such a kind donation.”

At Connell Co-op College, Daryl Tomlinson, Regional Community Development Manager, said:

 “The stationery and notepads will allow the college to kickstart students’ learning. The items will go into packs for new students, giving them one less thing to worry about and helping them get Ready to Learn.”

This partnership shows what can be achieved when suppliers, academies and our Community Team work together. The support from TCS is helping to remove everyday barriers, build confidence and ensure that students have the essentials they need to thrive.