AP & SEND Briefing 23rd October 2024
Welcome to our mid-week round-up of Alternative Provision and SEND news across the South West and beyond, the last of this half term.
Below you'll find summaries and links of what's been in the news recently, the latest thinking and some of the great training links we think you'll find useful. Grab a coffee and take 10 minutes to get updated and through the midweek hump.
National Audit Office SEND Report out this week
This week will see the National Audit Office release its follow-up report on the 2019 SEND Report and subsequent DfE SEND & AP Improvement plan. The report will consider whether the DfE is supporting a sustainable SEND & AP system that delivers positive outcomes for CYP as well as whether the DfE are taking effective action to deliver longer-term systemic improvements identified in 2023's improvement plan.
The current picture is looking fragile, with Schools Week reporting an expected £2.5Bn deficit in dedicated schools grants and some councils, BCP included, making cuts to per-pupil funding that fall below minimum levels.
Read more here and expect to see the NAO report here later this week.
ACAHM: The Association of Child & Adolescent Mental Health
ACAHM have a wealth of knowledge, guides, podcasts and video training - all free to access on their website. They also have a network of mental health professionals, educators, social care and youth professionals with an active group for Devon & Cornwall members. You can join ACAHM (and the local group) here and access their free training resources at acamhlearn.org
Autism & Communication: Pete Wharmby
Former English teacher Pete Wharmby's book, Untypical, is a great read that unpicks how it feels to be autistic in a neurotypical world. With great insights into communication (Pete describes neurotypical and neurodivergent communication as needing translation) I think it's an essential for all educators looking to engage pupils and develop a more inclusive school environment. Grab a copy.
Our Range of Services
Responding to the needs of students, families and schools, we've reimagined our services, launching in person and face to face packages at a range of levels:
SEMH Online School
An 8-hour weekly package designed for pupils finding it difficult to attend school. The package includes 2 hours of each core subject (English, Maths, Science) over 3 days, along with a 1:1 mentoring hour and an optional peer group social session. Places available to KS3 students. Price £162.50 + VAT per week
Face to Face & Online group sessions
One hour subject specific sessions in online groups of 6 students. Available to Year 11 students taking GCSEs (please ask for exam board specific classes).
One hour subject specific face to face sessions in Bideford in daytime small groups (6 students). Available in Year 7/8 group or Year 9/10 group. Price £12.50 + VAT per student per session.
Face to Face & Online 1:1 tuition and 1:1 mentoring
For students needing individualised packages of support we can offer bespoke tuition and mentoring sessions either online or face to face across the South West.
One hour sessions available to Y1-Y11 students. Price from £54 + VAT per hour
All our services include a complete onboarding process (we manage and support timetables with tutors and families), reports after each session, attendance data monitoring, half-termly reviews, safeguarding monitoring and delivery by qualified teachers & mentors.
FIND OUT SOME MORE...
1. Take a look at our website’s about us page where you can learn more about how we can work together with you and your community.
2. Find and follow us on LinkedIn
3. Book a meeting with us
Until next time, take care,
Sarah
Director, Next Steps Education
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