NWKAPS AP Satellite Provision Consultation
Consultation on Alternative Learning Trust (ALT) significant change application for a physical expansion of North West Kent Alternative Provision Service (NWKAPS) to a satellite site on the Isle of Sheppey.
Alternative Learning Trust (ALT) is consulting on a significant change application to the Regional Director (RD) acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education. The application outlines a proposal to expand North West Kent Alternative Provision Service (NWKAPS) onto a satellite site on the Isle of Sheppey
Introduction
Kent County Council (KCC) is the strategic commissioner of school provision and has a duty to ensure that there are enough school places for the residents within its borough. KCC has identified a need for additional alternative provision (AP) places in response to the significant shortage of AP places on the Isle of Sheppey and in recognition of the fact that the needs of children are not being met within mainstream education. There is a strong desire to promote inclusion in mainstream, however there is also a recognition that some students presenting challenging behaviours and/or with SEMH needs require AP for which adequate places are not currently available.
The sole secondary school on the Isle of Sheppey, Oasis Secondary School, is currently being re-brokered into two new trusts, Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) and EKC Schools Trust (EKCST), as two separate schools. Without appropriate alternative provision, there is a significant risk that the two new mainstream schools will be unable to re-set and establish new cultures and high-quality mainstream education.
ALT is working collaboratively with KCC, the DfE, and LAT and EKCTS to ensure there is a coordinated approach for place planning and delivery within the area. Collectively, we believe that it is vitally important that any development and creation of additional places must contribute to the cohesion and sustainability of the local educational economy. For this reason, KCC and ALT believe a satellite proposal will achieve this, whilst continuing to build upon the high-quality of education NWKAPS offers.
How can I give my views?
We value the views and opinions of parents/carers and any other member of the community we serve. For this reason, we are holding two events in which members of the community will be invited to ask questions and are also running an online survey.
The consultation will run from 15:00 on Tuesday 5th March 2024 to 15:00 on Tuesday 2nd April 2024:
We will be running a face-to-face event at NWKAPS on Tuesday 19th March 2024, from 16:00-18:00.
We will also run an online Q&A on Teams on Monday 25th March 2024, from 11:00 to 12:00.
To attend either event, please express your interest by emailing consultation@alternativelearningtrust.org and we will make sure to send you the details prior to the event. Links to both events for registration will be published shortly and provided to individuals attendees if required. This will be an opportunity to meet members of ALT and ask any questions you may have.
We invite you to share your views by filling our online survey here:
ALT ISLE of Sheppey Satellite Provision Consultation Survey
The consultation process – indicative timetable:
Tuesday 5th March 2024 (15:00) – 4 weeks public consultation period.
Tuesday 2nd April 2024 (15:00) – The consultation ends.
Monday 8th April 2024 – The Trust Board will review the consultation report and confirm whether the formal application is submitted to the Regional Director.
Tuesday 16th April 2024 – Subject to Board approval, the application is submitted to the KCC for inclusion in the report to CYPE Cabinet Committee in May 2024.
Why are we consulting on the proposed satellite school?
The DfE and KCC have determined a satellite provision as the preferred choice to meet the current and predicted demand in additional AP places whilst ensuring there is a balance between the availability of places, the sustainability of every school, and for meeting parental preference. Although this proposed change was instigated by the DfE and agreed upon by KCC, LAT, and EKCST, ALT must now progress through the formal significant change process.
The satellite expansion will provide the necessary creation of up to 115 new AP places, which will expand NWKAPS’s Published Admission Number (PAN) from 100 to 215. The DfE and KCC identified the need for additional AP places during the process of re-brokering the Oasis Secondary School into two, smaller secondary provisions. The planned opening for the satellite provision is anticipated to be September 2024. There are several sites on the Isle of Sheppey currently being considered for the site.
The satellite will constitute a genuine continuance of the NWKAPS, replicating the ethos, values, and high standards of education and will be operated by ALT’s Senior Leadership Team in collaboration with NWKAPS leadership. We will look to explore the best and most efficient ways to provide high-quality AP education for 11-16 years olds across both sites. The school will ensure a cohesive approach across the two sites through resource sharing, joint multi-agency work.
ALT will ensure that disruption to existing school provision and the local community will be minimal, and that the provision will be sustainable.