Two specialist schools in Bromley and Bexley today hosted visits by researchers from the Centre of Social Justice – as examples of high performing Alternative Provision in the boroughs.
Horizons Academy in Abbey Wood and Bromley Trust Academy are all part of the London South East Academies Trust. Each offers Alternative Provision for young people who, for a wide variety of reasons, need an alternative to mainstream school.
The schools were selected by the Centre of Social Justice as examples of best practice, with high inclusion rates and successful outcomes for their students. The visits will help inform a three-year research project by the CSJ – who are investigating the factors that best help create high performing Alternative Provision.
The team of researchers spent time at each of the schools, meeting students and teachers and gaining insight into the day-to-day running of successful Alternative Provision. They also developed an understanding of student demographics, post-16 transition, funding and careers education.
Alternative Provision Programme Lead at the Centre for Social Justice, Cath Murray, said: “We are conducting an extensive project about alternative provision and it’s important that we visit a wide range of schools to get a first-hand understanding of best practice and success, as well as challenges being faced. We will be lobbying government to improve the quality of alternative provision around the country, to ensure that children who require this sort of support can access it, achieving good outcomes.
“The schools we’ve visited today have provided us with excellent insight and we were extremely impressed with the work going on here to support children with a wide range of specialist needs. We are grateful to the staff and students at London South East Academies Trust for taking the time to assist us with our research.”
Commenting on the visit, executive head teacher Jo Southby added: “We are delighted to host this visit and keen to share best practice. We are proud of the Alternative Provision we offer and the outcomes and achievements of our students.
“It's vital that the government supports the improvement of Alternative Provision around the country, as this is so crucial for many vulnerable young people. We are pleased to be part of this project, which will raise the profile of high quality Alternative Provision and highlight the challenges that schools like ours face.”
For more information about London South East Academies Trust, please visit www.LSEAT.co.uk
For more information about the Centre of Social Justice, please visit www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk
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