Dear Parents/Carers,

 

May I wish you a belated, ‘Happy New Year’ before I proceed!

In line with expectations, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you details of our role within the local community and associated polices that enable us to secure the best outcomes for your child.

Many of you may be aware that in March of last year the Government produced a SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, in which we as a school, were identified as an ‘Intervention Centre’ and not a destination school. In line with this Plan and the recently shared, Lancashire County Council Alternative Provision Strategy, our role in the community is to offer a three-tier system of support to students in east Lancashire.

  • targeted support in mainstream schools. Upon request we offer advice and support to mainstream students who are struggling to regulate their behaviour. This usually takes the form of a 6-week programme delivered to a small group of students in their own school setting. (See Intervention Programme 2023/4 in the Admissions section.)

 

  • time-limited placements. These placements are based at Oswaldtwistle School and are for local mainstream students who are in need of more targeted support for a variety of reasons. They are dual registered and supported to return to their original school as soon as it is felt appropriate. (See Intervention Programme 2023/4 in the Admissions section.)

 

  • transitional placements at Oswaldtwistle PRU. The places are for young people who will not return to their previous school for a number of reasons, but usually because they have been permanently excluded from their mainstream setting. They are supported to make the transition to a different school/post-16 destination when they are ready to do so.

 

It is within this context that we strive to secure our Vision/Ethos and Mission statement as detailed below;

Vision

To be widely regarded as a truly outstanding Alternative Provider that successfully responds to the needs of those young people in the local education system who require something additional or alternative to the core that is offered by the mainstream sector.

In so doing we strive to remove barriers and help our young people to develop the competencies and confidence to achieve their full potential, secure exceptional destinations and become the best they can be.

 

Ethos

In order to achieve our vision, we promote a highly inclusive, calm and nurturing environment where respect and dignity are demonstrated by all to all. Underpinning all that we do is the relational approach to learning and behaviour management that actively promotes restorative and trauma informed practice within an environment that supports de-escalation and relationship building.

Oswaldtwistle School Mission Statement

‘’Through a culture of mutual respect and the promotion of resilience and self-belief we strive to provide our young people with a second chance and in so doing help them to achieve the things they never thought they could, and ultimately become the person they always dreamed of being.’’

Respect      Believe      Achieve     Become

 

In line with these expectations, we have recently implemented an intervention based Pastoral Support Programme to help facilitate successful reintegration to their mainstream school or movement to a new school or college.

At this juncture I would like to sign post you to several policies of importance that enable us to support your child whilst at Oswaldtwistle School; namely our Behaviour Policy, Behaviour Curriculum, Attendance Policy and Safeguarding Policy.

If you have any questions regarding our role and purpose in the local education system please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Kind regards,

 

Mrs Sandra McKenna