We are delighted to confirm that our bid to open a new, 70-place, SEMH AP Free School in Tilbury has been approved by the Department for Education. This will provide a valuable opportunity to support even more vulnerable children and young people to re-engage with learning and develop the skills needed to be successful in education and beyond.
The 70-place setting will support 11 to 19-year olds via three pillars of intervention comprising:
Outstanding education, centred on a therapeutic model of teaching and learning, where subject knowledge and self-awareness have a shared emphasis, so children and young people can equip themselves with the social and emotional skills needed to transform their lives.
Excellent support in local schools, which will include outreach work to maintain vulnerable learners, helping pupils who are reintegrating, and supporting colleagues in these settings to do the same. We also want schools to feel well equipped to receive new pupils who are experiencing difficulties and need a safe place to learn.
Exceptional training and professional development, focussed on enabling fellow professionals across the region to understand and respond effectively to children at all stages of crisis.
Our longstanding partnership with Thurrock Council has been a highly valued component of our work to date and is a real strength in the provision we offer pupils and their families. We are grateful for the support we have received so far and look forward to engaging with the LA and other local stakeholders as work on the free school develops.
