The Grove is the home of two Alternative Provision units based at Orchard Mead Academy. It is made up of a Designated Specialist Provision (DSP) and Orchard Mead’s own Alternative Provision Unit. They are aligned with their beliefs, systems and staffing structure.
Curriculum
Behaviour
Our policy is built on a mutual understanding of respect and positive relationships. If this is not first achieved then behaviour may be communicated negatively.
Relationships
Building positive relationships rooted in mutual respect and understanding is at the heart of our behaviour policy within the DSP. All staff have a responsibility to build these relationships with all students.
Our timetable is set up to provide opportunities to break down the typical ‘teacher-student’ barriers. Staff are encouraged to ‘play’ with students at break and lunch time. Furthermore, lunch times take place around a table to build the image and feeling of family.
Staff use humour to ensure the students feel relaxed in their environment. Students are encouraged to also develop their sense of humour with staff in a friendly but respectful environment. This helps to build the students sense of belonging.
Once these relationships have formed then students will feel safe to accept gentle challenge towards their learning and behaviour. Moreover, students will be able to communicate their emotions through conversation rather than through their behaviour.
All of this supports the child’s emotional literacy and their attitude to school.
Attitudes to learning
Students attitudes to learning play a huge role in the level of success of lessons. In order to support them we have established clear expectations and a structured monitoring system.
At the end of every lesson students are graded out of nine points. The following expectations are used for every session.
Work Hard
Bronze: I showed an interest in my lesson by attempting the task
Silver: I actively engaged in the learning and the task
Gold: I can work independently, overcoming challenge
Be Kind
Bronze: I attempted to be kind
Silver: I am kind to others
Gold: I supported others through kindness
Be Responsible
Bronze: I attempted to follow instructions
Silver: I actively followed all instructions
Gold: I show positive behaviour in challenging situations
It is the responsibility of the tutor team to ensure grades are collected after each lesson. These are tracked in a tutor group folder.
At the end of every day they are then inputted onto an excel document that provides a grading for the student’s day.
This provides opportunities for targets throughout the day/week for individual students. In addition, this also fuels rewards and sanctions
Working with parents/carers
We share all success with parents, and they are invited in to discuss successes and any concerns. Staff are always happy to talk to parents and we have an honest and open relationship. This contributes to the success and progress seen in our students.
Pupil Voice
Students speak positively about The Grove and the impact that it has on their behaviour and wellbeing. They build great relationships with staff, and this is evident in their dispositions towards the provision.
Admission information
Students are referred to the DSP side of The Grove through the Local Authority. We consider all consultations, and these will often include a member of staff from The Grove visiting the pupil to assess their needs and suitability for the provision.
Referrals for the Alternative Provision side of The Grove are made through the pastoral team at Orchard Mead Academy. Students are considered on a case-by-case basis.
We welcome visits from parents who have been referred to us through SES.