Local Authorities & Commissioners

Alternative provision

We currently work one-to-one and in small groups with 11 to 16-year olds who are at risk of being excluded from school. We also have the capacity to work with younger children, see After-School Provision. Given the higher rates of permanent and temporary exclusions of young people from Caribbean, Irish and Roma backgrounds, we emphasise a ‘whole child’ approach that includes acknowledging and using cultural heritage as a tool for educational engagement and attainment.

Our whole child approach recognises that learning takes place in a specific context. There are numerous factors that shape learning and educational outcomes beyond the classroom and the curriculum. Our alternative provision support for the whole child includes:

• A focus on attendance with outreach strategies that focus on improving attendance as a prerequisite for improved learning.

• Multicultural competency training for all teachers, support staff and students to frame and strengthen our commitment to citizenship and reinforce our distinctiveness as a school.

• A SEND-supportive culture across the school, through effective staff training and the involvement of relevant specialist practitioners.

• Overcoming motivational deficits through a culture that celebrates learning, acknowledges achievements and involves the wider community as well as family to support a culture of pride and attainment.

• Encouragement of excellence by providing stimulation, challenges and opportunities for children who are excelling
– whether they are displaying academic or intellectual gifts or demonstrating talents in other areas of activity and learning.

• Understanding and supporting the family situation. Given the 2018 review of vulnerable children in social care in England, we recognise that poverty, exclusion, racism and weak familial support networks can play a very real part in framing low expectations, undermining confidence and affecting behaviour. Our network of learning mentors and our strong pastoral support programme provide the highly personalised support needed to fully understand and address a young person’s needs.

• Safeguarding. In line with the 2018 DfE’s statutory guidance for Keeping Children Safe in Education, we ensure that:
– our school has more than one emergency contact number for pupils
– safeguarding and welfare concerns are taken into account when restraint is used on children with SEND
– we have our own child protection policy that reflects our local circumstances

One-to-one tutoring for
Looked After Children (LAC)

We work closely with virtual schools that deliver provision for young people in boroughs across Greater Manchester and the North West. Combining academic study with personal mentoring, we support these children wherever they are placed, providing a degree of continuity during periods of extreme change.

One-to-one tutoring for English
as an Additional Language (EAL)

Our Virtual School offers tuition in community languages for young people who might not yet be able to access the mainstream KS2-4 curricula in English and Maths. We use their community language as a pathway to gaining the necessary English language skills required to fully participate in mainstream education. For KS3 work, please get in touch to arrange bespoke Personal Education Plans (PEPs) to meet the needs of the children in your care.

So far, we work with Cumbria County Council, Bury Council and Manchester City Council and currently offer the following community languages:

• Punjabi
• Arabic (Libyan)
• Mbo’o and Befang (Cameroon)
• Afrikaans
• Dutch
• German
• French
• Portuguese

For an example of our work in this area, read here.