Launch of the SEND and Alternative Provision strategy 2025 to 2030

Launch of the SEND and Alternative Provision strategy 2025 to 2030

Trinity Academy Grammar talk about their Carlton Mill provision and how this is supporting students.

 

Summarised video transcript

Overview of TACM

  • TACM is a Tier 2 alternative provision within Calderdale, designed to support students at risk of permanent exclusion.
  • It is part of a wider network of internal alternative provisions across Trinity MAT schools.
  • Located in the former SEN offices in Sowerby, now repurposed as Carlton Mill.

Why TACM Was Created

  • A sharp rise in permanent exclusions post-lockdown (from 0 to 16 in one year) prompted the need for a local solution.
  • Lack of diverse alternative provision in Calderdale led Trinity to establish their own.
  • Since opening, exclusion rates at Trinity Grammar have dropped significantly.

Structure and Staffing

  • Led by the principal and Becky as Head of Service.
  • Strong academic team supported by mainstream teachers.
  • Significant investment in pastoral care, including a dedicated task force.

Provision Model

  • Time-limited placements (typically 14 weeks) for students in Years 7–11.
  • Students remain on roll at their home school but attend TACM exclusively.
  • Academic offer includes:
    • National Curriculum at Key Stage 3
    • 8 GCSEs at Key Stage 4
  • Personal development includes:
    • Zones of Regulation
    • PSHE (twice weekly)
    • Project Resilience
    • Art therapy, mindfulness, sensory circuits

Daily Routine

  • Soft start with breakfast and check-ins.
  • Academic subjects frontloaded in the day.
  • Personal development and practical lessons (e.g., art, PE, photography) in the afternoon.

Referral Process

  • Referrals must come from mainstream schools (not directly from parents or agencies).
  • Requires parental consent and detailed paperwork.
  • Includes a triage phone call and review by the Calderdale Alternative Provision Panel (Charlie, Becky, and Dafydd).
  • Regular communication and reintegration planning with home schools.

Year 11 Pathway

  • Developed in response to high exclusion rates in Year 10.
  • Offers full academic and pastoral support to ensure students complete Key Stage 4 successfully.
  • Proven success in preventing NEET outcomes.

Task Force Initiative

  • Funded for 12 months as part of a national pilot (1 of 20 in England).
  • Weekly meetings with a multi-agency team:
    • Substance misuse, speech & language, youth justice, mental health, careers, EAL, family support, educational psychology
  • Designed for early intervention and rapid access to support.
  • Open to external referrals from other schools.

Student Voice

  • Student feedback was integral to designing the task force.
  • Students helped identify which professionals they wanted involved.
  • Described by Ofsted as feeling “like a family,” fostering belonging and safety.

Future Plans

  • Currently supporting 12 students, aiming to reach 80 annually.
  • Outreach offer extended to local secondary schools.
  • Steering group oversees progress and development.
  • Open to feedback and evolving based on need.