Manchester Vocational & Learning Academy

We teach an alternative curriculum to young people who struggle in the mainstream arena.We aim to provide high quality education and pastoral care to pupils who struggle within the mainstream education system. We work with pupils on a one to one basis or in small groups. We work with families, schools and other agencies to promote effective inclusion of all students, to ensure they achieve their full potential and, where possible, return to mainstream schools.

The Local Authority and any Private Sector Establishments are the admissions authority for MVLA.The final decision on referrals and placements rests with the Proprietor and head teacher of MVLA.Pupils may be admitted to MVLA at any point during the school year. Pupils may be dually registered, which means that the mainstream/short stay school/other establishment and MVLA will work together in providing appropriate individual educational programmes.MVLA will have their own individual education programme for pupils which will be created by the Head teacher and senior members of staff and the student within their first week of attending MVLA. MVLA will provide full time/part time learning for pupils along with appropriate accreditation.

All of our teaching staff are qualified teachers. Our teachers are experienced in dealing with students who struggle with their behaviour and we offer specialised support for students with special educational needs or who speak English as an additional language. We have a Health and Safety advisor who is responsible for overseeing our risk assessments and ensuring correct measures are put in place to monitor and minimise risks.All staff possesses an enhanced DBS disclosure.

MVLA recognizes that each child is an individual. We provide a nurturing, safe and stimulating environment for our learners, to achieve their full potential – educationally, socially and emotionally.Admission will only take place after consultation between the Head teacher, referrer, parent/carer and student.

Our students study GCSEs in Maths, English Language, English Literature, Biology, RE and Citizenship, we also offer a range of vocational subjects and PE. Lessons are taught to small groups so that teachers can cater for an individual’s specific personal and academic needs.All children will be taught in groups based on their ability, allowing them to receive the support that they require. As well as one to one and small group support, extra support will also be offered to EAL pupils by qualified teachers. Each child’s progress both from a pastoral and academic view will be carefully monitored with regular feedback to carers, schools and other relevant agencies. We pride ourselves in our positive relationships with partner schools, with many of our students successful returning to mainstream provision.

Students are supported and guided with applying for Colleges/Sixth Forms by their Employability Career Advisors. Over the course of the year the students will be making some big decisions about their future.We are using ‘Connexions’ for careers advice within our school. During the year the students will take part in a one to one career guidance interviews in school with their Career Advisor.

Pupils are often able to attend careers fairs at referring schools where students are able to talk to local colleges, training and apprenticeship providers so they can carefully consider their future options. The programme includes school visits, career talks with colleges, apprenticeship and training providers, employers and professionals, exhibitions, workshops and inspirational speakers.Our career advisor works closely KS3 pupils to set targets and goals for the future. Pupils receive guidance throughout the year.Young people are now expected to stay in education or training up until the age of 18.

Teachers will plan lessons so that pupils with SEN and/or disabilities can study every National Curriculum subject, wherever possible, and ensure that there are no barriers to every pupil achieving.Teachers will also take account of the needs of pupils whose first language is not English. Lessons will be planned so that teaching opportunities help pupils to develop their English, and to support pupils to take part in all subjects.

We all have a statutory duty to “safeguard and promote the welfare of children”. To maintain a professional attitude of “it could happen here” where safeguarding is concerned.All staff are encouraged to report any concerns that they have and not see these as insignificant. On occasions, a referral is justified by a single incident such as an injury or disclosure of abuse. More often however, concerns accumulate over a period of time and are evidenced by building up a picture of harm over time; this is particularly true in cases of emotional abuse and neglect. In these circumstances, it is crucial that staff record and pass on concerns in accordance with this policy to allow the Designated Safeguarding Lead to build up a picture and access support for the child at the earliest opportunity.

At MVLA we offer an excellent pastoral service and make daily contact with schools, parents/carers and other agencies. We hold regular review meetings and ensure the pupils meet all targets set by MVLA and the school.Schools are contacted regularly via email/phone to inform them about attendance and behaviour. We welcome visits from any schools or agencies at any time by prior arrangement.