Designated Provision

---

Here at Padgate Academy we promote an inclusive approach to education for all young people. 

In developing an inclusive approach for all young people we, as a mainstream high school, have increased our capacity to meet a wider range of pupil needs by hosting a designated provision.

What exactly does this mean I am sure you are asking?  Hopefully the following questions and answers will help answer this.

What is the Designated Provision?

The designated provision at Padgate Academy is a resourced provision, separate from the mainstream, that provides a nurturing educational environment for students with a range of cognition and learning needs. Students present with a variety of needs that require support in numerous areas of learning; the most significantly in literacy, numeracy, speech and language and social development. Students have the opportunity to learn within a mainstream secondary environment, but with an individualised learning pathway specially adapted to their needs. 

How many places are in the Provision?

There are fourteen places available in the designated provision and students of all ages are educated within the same group. 

How do I apply for a place in the Designated Provision?

Places in the designated provision are allocated by the Local Authority and this allows pupils living in any area of Warrington to join us. Your child must already have an Educational Health Care Plan, those with the primary area of need being cognition and learning being considered first, and, despite the support being offered, show that he/she is not managing in a mainstream classroom. Through the statutory review process as a parent/guardian you can express the desire to move to our Designated Provision and/or the school may advise this to better meet the educational/additional needs of your child

How would my son or daughter get to Padgate Academy if it is not within walking distance?

Some of our students are provided with a Local Authority funded taxi service to and from school. Students eligible must live more than two miles away from school, or, be considered to be an exceptional circumstance. This decision would be made by the Local Authority not Padgate Academy.

Can I visit the Designated Provision Unit?

Yes, you are more than welcome to have a look around the unit giving you the opportunity to ask any specific questions you may have. Please ring 01925 822632 and ask for Mrs Bretherton (SENCO) to arrange an appointment.

What are the educational aims for pupils in the Designated Provision Unit?

The designated provision curriculum is broad and balanced, as in mainstream, and maximises all opportunities for students in preparation for post 16 education, employment and adulthood. Underpinning all aspects of the curriculum is the strengthening and development of core literacy and numeracy skills, as well as speech, language and communication skills; areas that a barrier to learning and integration for students in the designated provision. We firmly believe that the curriculum must be effective and purposeful for the students, so, there is an adoptive culture of teamwork and collaborative planning with specialist mainstream colleagues to draw on expertise and allow for rigorous standardisation of student work. In the designated provision, we aim not only to provide student with an enriching curriculum but one that prepares them for life outside of the classroom and post 16 education. As a result, independence and life skills are embedded within all aspects of the curriculum and students are given the opportunity to acquire essential skills for life and work, enhance life chances, build confidence, become responsible citizens and effective contributors within society.

How is the organisation and resources different for my son or daughter in the Designated Provision at Padgate Academy? 

The Designated Provision is a discrete provision within the body of our school. Students with a place can access the provision throughout the school day, including those times when they integrate into mainstream classes. The Provision is always staffed by appropriately qualified and experienced staff who can meet the needs of your child. In order to promote inclusion and ensure that all designated provision students experience the full wider school community, all designated provision students are members of a mainstream form group and access the personal development opportunities, in line with mainstream students. 

How would my son/daughter be supported in the transition to the Designated Provision Unit at Padgate Academy?

Each young person has a personalised integration pathway devised for them that will support their transition successfully. The pathway is devised with you as their parent or guardian, the young person and school