Innovation - Plans for the Future
Making significant changes to an existing academy - a hybrid solution to existing demand
Rationale
Since inception, the CPA has evolved into a school of highly trained professionals with extensive experience of SEMH pupils and pupils arriving at the school with undiagnosed SEN due to previously spiky profiles.
Due to our reputation we have a consistent stream of parental requests for SEN places that we are unable to offer. We have groups of pupils who are in limbo after securing EHCP’s with us and are waiting for special school places which never materialize. We have a significant cohort who have an EHCP with SEMH including behavioural issues, who will always be precluded from MET type provisions and generic special schools due to the specific and complex behaviours they present. “Can’t meet need” is a phrase we are unfortunately very used to.
We know all about the pupils who fall through the cracks.
Our Vision
The CPA plans to complete a “significant change to an existing academy” application this academic year. We wish to run a hybrid school with SEMH Special School and Alternative Provision status.
Our Plan
Using CPA funding and WCC place commissioning we aim to open a new SEMH unit on the CPA main site, and develop a SEMH/SEN base at our Cooper’s Mill site.
We plan to work alongside our partners in WCC, parents and the community to open two sites for pupils with an EHCP in order to meet more fully the needs of pupils within the Wyre Forest and Bromsgrove, whose needs are not being fully met at present, whilst utilising the specific skill set of the staff we have developed on site.
Our SEN pupils
Cohort A- Pupils with EHCPs who display SEMH across a spectrum of anxiety-based conditions and including challenging behaviours. This particular cohort are often ill suited for generic special schools and too anxious for the hard edges of SEMH special schools. In general, this cohort would be suited to MET education but are blocked due to behavioural challenges.
External referrals for these places would be welcomed through the SEND team for pupils with a history of challenging behaviours, ASD, anxiety-based disorders, OCD and mental health issues. This onsite provision would allow access to our main site facilities but provide a more relaxed space to de-escalate behaviours, regulate mood and work in small numbers in a quiet setting. We will cap the capacity for this space at 16 pupils.
Cohort B- Pupils with challenging behaviours and undiagnosed significant SEN that then gain an EHCP through CPA systems and support. Pupils then in receipt of an EHCP will have named provision at the Coopers Mill site.
Coopers Mill will specialise in the field of moderate learning difficulties (such as Neuro Divergence, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia), with additional SEMH. This site would be designated for no more than 8 pupils.
What we need from you
A commissioning agreement guaranteeing support. A demographics report demonstrating need. Regular meetings throughout the process. Support in networking and working with partners to ensure an outstanding hybrid model. Support in attending and co-presenting consultations.
