Tailored Learning Paths: Understanding Offsite Learning at William Brookes School
Bespoke Timetables
Our school is an inclusive community where all students have access to a full set of GCSE qualifications. Whilst our curriculum offer typically reflects twenty five hours of academic study, we do recognise that for a small number of students, a traditional curriculum within the school building is not always the most appropriate option or in the best interest of the child’s future.
In order to ensure that our students reach their potential, the relevant teams within school (made up of SENCO, LAC Co-ordinator, DSL, Pastoral Team and Deputy Headteacher) taking into consideration the external advice of the relevant local authority and/or external agencies/professionals and/or under the direction of an EHCP or annual review, may consider local alternative provision offers for individual students. This may be in the form of an alternative provision, an extended work experience placement and/or a personalised learning plan.
Alternative Provision
Where it is in the best interests of the student and where it is financially viable, a small number of students with very specific needs may have an element of alternative provision integrated into their school timetable. It is our intention that a student spend more time in school receiving a traditional curriculum offer, than in Alternative Provision so that it remains clear that they are a member of our school community.
Where a student receives alternative provision:
- The alternative provision plan will be reviewed every two weeks.
- The relevant, statutory checks will be undertaken to ensure that the provision complies with statutory guidance.
- A regular visit to the site of the provision will be undertaken, whilst the child is on placement.
- The family of the student will receive daily phone calls to check in on the well-being of the child and to ensure that the child is supervised and well.
- Where a student attends alternative provision for a half day, the Attendance Officer will conduct a daily phone call to ensure the above safeguarding checks are in place.
- The alternative provision will report to the school on a daily basis to record student attendance.
Work Experience Placement
Where it is in the best interests of the student and where there is a suitable placement, a small number of students with very specific needs may have an element of alternative provision integrated into their school timetable. It is our intention that a student spends more time in school receiving a traditional curriculum offer than on work experience so that it remains clear that they are a member of our school community.
Where a student attends a work experience placement:
- The work experience placement will be reviewed every two weeks.
- The relevant statutory checks will be undertaken to ensure that the placement complies with statutory guidance.
- A visit to the place of work will be undertaken before the child’s place is finalised, and regularly, whilst the child is on placement.
- The Attendance Officer will phone the employer to check in on the attendance and well-being of the child and to ensure that the child is supervised and well. Where it is reported by the employee that the child is absent, the Attendance Officer will conduct a safe and well check with the family
- Where a student attends alternative provision for a half day, the Attendance Officer will conduct a daily phone call to check in on the wellbeing of the child and to ensure that the child is supervised and well.
