Such a short time but already it’s clear the differences we can make.
All the children that attend have had a tricky journey in education. Some have not attended a school setting for some time, some excluded, some have refused and disengaged, some have medically not been able to attend school.
When children and young people arrive at NWB they are often emotionally bruised, anxious, sensitive to failure- but within weeks they come out of themselves. They show beautiful personalities, a willingness to learn, and take part in activities.
We are not naive – we are absolutely aware there have been past problems, refusal, challenging behaviours, incidents and confronting issues.
We are also aware that parents/caregivers, teachers, therapists, doctors, social services have done their best to manage and to help.
We are also aware we are running a curriculum that is different and we don’t have to perform to any academic progress pressures.
However what we can see, even within this honeymoon period (I can hear the voices ) is that these young human beings are able to connect, engage and reflect.
This is a very emotive issue but …
Why are these young people not managing?
Are Alternative provisions an answer, a bridge towards re-engagement? Or are we just a reaction to a broken system?
Is stripping back the demands of the curriculum, dumbing down?
Are we holding up to teacher standards and high academic or behaviour expectations?
Whatever the answers – we are seeing the difference and making a change….
By seeing and reacting to who, what and where the child or young person is, infront of us, in the moment – we can figure out together what is needed.
Surely this is right?
