Extra cash to improve outlook for pupils across city

A FUNDING boost is to be announced today to support young people with additional needs in Bradford back into traditional schooling routes.

The project, part of a £4m Government innovation fund, aims to improve outcomes and transform alternative provision across the country.

A number of children, who have been excluded or who have behavioural issues, or cannot attend school because of illness, are classed as being under alternative provision in Bradford.

The £362,000 project, to be announced today by School Standards Minister Nick Gibbs, aims to support them back into mainstream or special schools.

Evidence shows children educated in alternative provision are less likely to achieve good GCSE grades and are less likely to be in education, employment or training post-16, the Department for Education has said. The funding is aimed at helping young people fulfil their potential and succeed in later life.

Mr Gibb said: “Every child, no matter the challenges they face in their life, should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through an excellent education.

“School standards in this country are rising, but for some children – those who are excluded or cannot attend mainstream or special schools – this quality varies greatly, with low expectations about their outcomes and futures.

“There are some excellent examples of good alternative provision but we need to raise standards across the board if we want young people to succeed.”

The project aims to help young people reintegrate back into mainstream or special schools by providing key worker support for children.

“Projects like this in Bradford, backed by more than £360,000, will develop new ways of doing this which can be shared around the country, so that we can improve education for every child and receive support to meet their individual needs,” said Mr Gibbs.

The scheme in Bradford will be led by the Bradford Central Pupil Referral Unit together with teaching school alliances, local secondary schools and local authorities.

The nine projects, spanning the Midlands, the North West, London, East of England, Yorkshire, the South West and the South East, are funded via the Alternative Provision Innovation Fund which launched in March.