Setting

11 survey inspection programme: alternative provision

Thank you for your hospitality and cooperation and that of your staff when I visited your school on 22 September 2010. Please also pass on my thanks to the students with whom I had helpful discussions.

p.1

11 survey inspection programme: alternative provision

As outlined in my initial letter, the visit had a particular focus on examining the use of alternative provision for pupils who are vulnerable to underachieving, and the impact this has on the outcomes for these pupils .

p.1

11 survey inspection programme: alternative provision

The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text without their consent.

p.1

11 survey inspection programme: alternative provision

This letter briefly summarises our discussion at the end of the visit.

p.1

Outcomes

 The academy’s evaluation indicates that last year, the large majority of students who attended an alternative provision placement improved their overall attitudes to learning, their attendance and their skills in numeracy, literacy and information and communication technology.  Attendance at the alternative provision enables students to gain a range of vocational qualifications which complement accredited courses available at the academy.  The range of provision enabled 85% of students to gain five A* to C grades at GCSE in 2010 and almost all students progressed to apprenticeships or further training. Aviation House 125 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 0300 123 1231 F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

Outcomes

Mr M Green Headteacher George Salter Collegiate Academy Claypit Lane West Bromwich West Midlands B70 9UW  Students currently attending placements felt they were learning important skills which will help them with their future employment.

p.1

Selecting and commissioning

 The academy has commissioned a range of alternative provision which is chosen carefully to dovetail with the curriculum offered in the academy’s Centre of Inclusion.  The academy values the local authority’s toolkit and directory for alternative educational provision which has been helpful in identifying suitable provision in the local area. It feels more opportunities for schools to share feedback on the suitability of provision would be helpful.

p.2

Monitoring, evaluation and support

 The school makes regular checks on each student’s attendance and on their progress. Any non-attendance is followed up quickly. The academy works closely with providers and has information to show the overall impact of the alternative provision. This information is used to change provider where it no longer meets the needs of students.  Students feel well supported by the alternative providers and appreciate the regular contact made by the school to check their progress. They also appreciate the intensive support they receive from the Centre of Inclusion.

p.2

Monitoring, evaluation and support

I hope that this visit has been useful in the further development of this aspect of the school’s work.

p.2

Monitoring, evaluation and support

As I explained previously, a copy of this letter will be published on the Ofsted website. It may be used to inform decisions about any future inspection.

p.2