Alternative Provision

We understand that sometimes students find it challenging to be educated full time at school.

At Bloxham Grove Academy we will always explore alternative provision for students when we feel that they need some additional or different provision. We consult the Local Authority’s approved AP list however we also ensure that we do our own safeguarding and health and safety checks before we agree and approve the use of an AP.

We use a range of different AP types:

  1. An AP from the Local Authority’s approved list such as Heros, RAW or SOFEA
  2. A local college’s 14-16 pathway
  3. Work Experience
  4. A combination of the above

Alternative Provision

There may be times when a student may need additional or different support from external providers outside of our specialist offer within school.

This provision can be put in place to support a student’s mental health, emotional, behavioural or SEND needs.

Seeking an Alternative Provision will be carefully considered, alongside scrutinising our Tiered Provision model, and through discussions with parents/carers and the student.

Safeguarding protocols

Any student accessing an Alternative Provision remains on our school roll.  Careful safeguarding and quality assurance checks are undertaken on a daily, weekly and termly basis.

Before Alternative Provision is agreed, the following protocols are undertaken:

  • Bloxham Grove Academy will refer to Oxfordshire County Council’s list of approved Alternative Providers list

https://schools.oxfordshire.gov.uk/access-learning/approved-alternative-provider-list

  • Completion of all necessary paperwork, including sharing the student’s EHCP
  • Arrange an initial visit for the student to familiarise themselves with the setting, staff and expectations
  • A key worker from Bloxham Grove Academy’s pastoral team will be identified to provide continuity between the student, school and the Alternative Provider

Throughout the period of Alternative Provision

  • Daily telephone contact is made by Bloxham Grove Academy and the provision as a welfare and attendance check.  Any absence is then followed up by the academy
  • Termly progress updates are shared between the Alternative Provision and Bloxham Grove Academy
  • Termly monitoring visits (every six weeks) are undertaken by the Key Worker (these can be more frequently if required)