The Centre for Social Justice set out on a mission in 2020 to find out what the characteristics of a good quality alternative provision are. Their research identified the strong need for a framework to measure the efficiency of each alternative provision available.
Over the last year, R.E.A.L. has proudly been contributing to their research, which has now concluded in a new, national Alternative Provision Quality Toolkit.
This toolkit is designed to change the way Alternative Provision is understood, evaluated and how it can be improved.
Kay Carter, Head of Safeguarding and Standards at R.E.A.L., participated in the project and said: “This has been a really important piece of work for us, as we have always strived to improve the quality of our own AP provision as well as working closely with our external providers too.”
You can read their findings and review the full toolkit here.
Staff and learners across all R.E.A.L. sites took part in Mental Health Awareness Week this month, as this year’s theme focussed on loneliness.
Chloe Pollock, Teacher said: “Marking Mental Health Awareness Week at R.E.A.L. provides a great opportunity to normalise the discussion of mental health and wellbeing amongst our learners and staff.”
Different hubs chose to mark the week in different ways, from displays and posters full of tips on how to combat feeling alone, to a DR R.E.A.L’s advice board and inspirational quotes, to dressing in green for Wear It Green day.
Chloe said: “By talking openly about mental health, young people can learn to better understand their emotions, break down stigma and feel safe enough to reach out for support when it’s needed.”
Learners across all R.E.A.L. sites got the chance to have an overnight stay in an activity-packed experience at Lea Green.
Stacey Edwards, Deputy Headteacher, organised the residential trip: “It was so much fun! The weather was glorious and the instructors from Lea Green were outstanding and enabled each group to challenge themselves as individuals.”
37 learners went over five days and four nights, with each group having one afternoon, overnight and a morning activity.
Stacey said: “The learners tried so many new experiences, such as canoeing, climbing and a high ropes or skyline course.
“Many learners had never stayed away from their own homes for this long yet they were able to do this and remained feeling safe. Their parents were so proud of them!
“The whole experience was extremely positive! I’d also like to say a big thank you to all the staff who supported, as they worked additional hours!”
The feedback from learners has been amazing;
“This has been the best day of my life!”
“I was never asked to do a residential in school, this was amazing, thank you!”
“Thank you for empowering me!”
“You’ve changed my life forever!”
R.E.A.L. prides itself on making sure their learners are equipped with the right knowledge and understanding of what they can progress to post-education.
In March, R.E.A.L. took part in National Careers Week and hosted a huge careers fair where learners could explore their future options.
Sophie Gasgoyne, Head of Personal Development said: “The fair was held at Mansfield Town Football Club and it was a huge success! I was thrilled to see so many of our learners attend the event and have the opportunity to speak to a wide range of employers and further education providers.”
The fair had stalls ranging from the British Army, the Department for Work and Pensions to Nottinghamshire Police and numerous colleges within the East Midlands.
Sophie added: “The learners got to take home goody bags which they were excited by and they left with lots of ideas about what their next steps would be and huge smiles on their faces.
The feedback from parents was also really positive and I’m so grateful to all the staff who helped support on the day.”
Staff and learners across all R.E.A.L. sites have been coming up with ways to help support Ukraine over the last few months, from organising collections and fundraising activities to crochet.
Learners and staff went to a local church in Mansfield to help form a human chain to load up a van full of donations. The amazing efforts were filmed by East Midlands Today and featured clips of R.E.A.L. learners.
Ellen Longmate, Learning Manager said: “The learners were amazing, it was great to see them getting fully involved.
“It’s just a little thing we can do to help.”
A giant creme egg is something most of us could only dream about, but one R.E.A.L. learner has made that dream a reality.
As part of observation work in Art, a Napantan learner has carefully crafted a huge creme egg and made it look as realistic as possible.
Natalie Huggins, Teaching Assistant said: “It’s absolutely brilliant observation work completed by the learner!”
Not only has the egg been designed to show all of its many layers; foil packaging, chocolate and the gooey centre but the learner made a multi-pack box, just like in the shops, too!
