These are the questions we get asked most, including the ones people apologise for asking.
“What if my child will not come in?”
That is one of the most common reasons families come to us, so it is not a reason to rule us out. We start from wherever your child can manage and build from there. Some students begin with an hour a week – or even just a brief visit or two and meet some of the staff and check out the school site. This is a great start and we can take it from there at a pace that meets your child’s needs.
“What happens on a morning when your child cannot get out of the car?“
We have staff who are sensitive to those situations and will work with your child in a way that supports and encourages rather than placing demands that your child is not ready for.
“Who else goes to the school?”
Young people aged 11 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health needs. Most have had a difficult time at school and have found somewhere that works for them.
“Will my child be around older students?”
Our students are aged 11 to 16, so yes, your child will be around some who are older. Groups are very small and staffing is high, so no one is left on their own. We think carefully about who works well alongside whom, grouping by stage of learning rather than by year.
On a daily basis we teach our GRIT values; one of which is Respect – respect for other students and staff and respect for visitors we welcome to our site. We find that our students are very respectful but that doesn’t mean they don’t need support at times.
“Will my child be safe?”
Our priority is the safety of all of our students and staff. We have in place a safeguarding policy and designated safeguarding leads. Most importantly we have a set of values that underpin everything we do, the way we work, and expectations for all students and staff at the school.
These are our GRIT values – Gratitude, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork. These values are embedded into our school and do more to keep children safe at school than any policy or poster.
If you ever felt your child did not feel safe then please call and speak with us immediately.
“Is there a uniform?”
We have worked with students to adapt and find a uniform that works best. This is a simple school branded navy blue t-shirt and hoodie.
The school t-shirt and hoodie are expected, and students wear their own shorts, jeans or joggers with them. Staff wear the same uniform as students. Trainers are encouraged, because they are practical and safe on our site.
Sliders, Crocs and similar loose footwear are not allowed. These shoes lack the structural support, heel security, and grip needed to prevent slips, trips, or loss of control during physical activity and general movement around site.
“How will my child get there?”
Students may have transport provided by the local authority, depending on how far away they live. Some get dropped off by parents/ carers and some come on their bike or walk.
“Will they be able to take exams?”
Yes. Students here work towards real qualifications up to level 2 (a level 2 qualification is equivalent level to a GCSE at grade 4).
We support students to prepare for GCSEs. As an exam centre for NCFE we deliver Functional Skills qualifications from Entry Levels (Entry 1, 2, and 3) and Level 1 and Level 2.
“What happens at sixteen?”
Students get independent careers advice and help to plan what comes next, so that Year 11 does not arrive without a plan. We have excellent relationships with local colleges and we often undertake visits to view various college departments, where students often see our previous years’ students who have already successfully moved on to their chosen college course.
“Does my child need an EHCP?”
Placements here are normally arranged and funded by the local authority through an education, health and care plan (EHCP). If you are in the middle of that process, or you are not sure where you have got to, call us and we will explain how it works.
We also have some students who access our school via alternative provision through their mainstream school or through the Education Inclusion Team. These are shorter to medium term placements but usually a minimum of a term.
“How much does it cost?”
Nothing to you. Fees are paid by the local authority as part of your child’s plan. Places commissioned through mainstream school as part of alternative provision are paid by the school making the referral.
“What if it does not work out?”
We talk to you early. If something is not working, you will hear it from us while there is still time to change it, not at a review meeting months later.
Our first response is always to look at what can be adjusted. A different timetable, a different approach, a different member of staff. Most difficulties can be worked through if they are named early enough.
And we will be straight with you. If we get to a point where we do not think we can meet your child’s needs, we will say so honestly, and we will help you think about what might work better. We will not simply hand the problem back to you.
Something we have not answered?
Call and ask. There is no such thing as a silly question here.
