PUPIL-STAFF RATIO

Alpha school operates a needs led staff – pupil staffing ratio, which by its very nature is flexible and thus changes to meet the individual Young Person’s (YP) support needs. For instance, an YP may commence at a 2-1 support ratio and, subject to risk assessment, this can be altered to 1-1, in certain situations, to assess whether s/he can manage specific social situations, thereby the YP can work towards reducing their support needs. Alternatively, an YP may commence at a 1-1 support ratio and, subject to risk assessment, may experience a period of difficulty therefore their support needs will be increased to 2-1. This increase may cover specific situations only – or be across settings. The aim would be to decrease this YP’s staff ratio – whenever risk assessment indicates that their needs have decreased.

Alpha schools pupils are risk assessed as follows: * Twice daily, via our specialized Points System. * At weekly management team meeting, chaired by our Head of Psychology who has specialised in risk assessment for some 20+ years. * Our Head of Psychology is on 24 hour - 365 day call to consult on risk assessment issues, as required.

Generally pupil support needs are identified on 4 levels, as follows:

Low Support: Here the young person (YP) is typically at a stage in their development when they have learned socially appropriate behaviours and is working well within the educational environment, and therefore s/he requires a low staffing ratio. This would usually be an YP who has experienced the Alpha school support system for a period of time, sufficient enough to have made positive developmental change, and is working towards graduating from Alpha school towards either a job or college.

Medium Support: This YP presents with challenging behaviour or educational needs that require 1-1 support. *

 High Support: This YP presents with challenging behaviour or educational needs that require 2-1 support. *

*Due to the fact that YP vary so much in their presentation and are unique in their life experiences it is very difficult to give precise examples of behaviours that trigger these support levels. However, prior to commencing Alpha school the YP’s support needs will be discussed with referring agencies using specific examples from the YP’s history to establish the desirable staffing ratio.

Be Safe Support: Alpha school operates a Be Safe approach when assessing an YP’s support needs, consequently when entering Alpha school no pupil is placed on a low support pupil-staff ratio. Most will commence on either a medium or high support level, which will be reduced or increased as per the YP’s support needs.

KEY WORKER SYSTEM

All pupils have two key workers who work closely with families, and provide a link with families and other disciplines. Key workers actively promote and support regular contact with families, keep them informed of their child’s progress and relevant changes in the educational and/or psychological programmes.