Alternative Provisions
What we offer
In 2022 we ran our first programme to provide alternative education provision within Milton Keynes. We offered holistic education, and reintegration into the mainstream setting, as an early preventative measure for those students who might otherwise be at risk of permanent exclusion. This has developed into our standard offer of up to 10 hours provision per week for students in the key areas of English, Mathematics and Science. We are able to operate a hybrid timetable for those who are in KS3 and KS4.SMK operates like an internal Alternative Provision (AP), as a first step to avoid the permanent exclusion of students. We ensure that there is effective communication between the pupil’s family, referring school, our tutors, and the local authority or virtual school head where appropriate.
Relationships are fundamental in learning. Learning can only happen when we feel safe so our brains can recall, process, sequence and make links. We aim to improve educational relationships with students referred to us in order for them to feel safer in school and engage with learning much more positively. Relationships are complex, not just initiating them but sustaining them too; hence the involvement of all parties supporting the child. Proactive, short-term use of AP as an early intervention delivered in mainstream schools and through off-site placements, has already been shown to reduce the number of exclusions for those students who could be thought of as having less complex needs.
Our Students
We cater for students in KS3, KS4 and KS5, aiming to have no more than 2 students in any learning group at a time. Ideally, these will be students from different schools unless we are confident that any peer interaction will not promote unsatisfactory behaviour. In 2023/24 we have 6 students who are following bespoke timetables from GCSE to A-level.We are happy to consider referrals from schools in Milton Keynes and neighbouring counties. Please note that the referring schools and/or parents are responsible for ensuring transportation to our location.
How To Apply
If schools would like to make a referral then we ask them to complete the following referral form. We will conduct a pre-assessment of behavioural issues in the classroom (and at home) before a full referral is made to SMK. This will be at a cost of £200 per student and will only be chargeable if we feel that the student will benefit from time in our provision i.e. if we do not take the referral forward to placement, the fee will not be charged. SMK request the provision of samples of work or latest assessment data and, if possible, a CAT4 assessment. We are able to provide the assessment at a cost but this can be discussed with the school in advance.