Viewpoint - Information for Schools

ViewP int Hillview Outreach Programme Year 10 & 11 Anxiety-Based School Refusal Programme ViewPoint has been established as a proactive approach and nurturing programme to support young people in West Kent schools who have anxiety-based school refusal. Young people are increasingly being reported as having school-based anxiety. This includes highly complex, multi-dimensional difficulties which require an individualised approach to assess the triggers and needs of each student. There can be many reasons why a child may start to resist attending school - it can happen gradually, or overnight. Extreme anxiety and school refusal can occur when stress exceeds support and when the risks are greater than the resilience of the young person. ‘Push’ factors that encourage attendance, can be outweighed by ‘pull’ factors for non-attendance. There are several potential contributors or triggers to school refusal, which include: • Social and peer related issues • Learning and curriculum difficulties • Difficulties with the physical environment • A fear of attending school, due to reasons such as; leaving home or separating from family, the general school situation or a particular aspect of school Our aim is to support schools and help students to re-engage with learning. We provide a small-scale, calm environment offering a personalised approach to encourage the development of independent learning strategies.

Twelve Week Programme | Full Time Programme We recommend that students with a record of very low attendance or difficulties attending school, attend ViewPoint for an initial period of twelve weeks (approximately two terms). This involves nine weeks in the Centre and then, when ready, a three week phased return back into their registered school. Further time at the Centre may be negotiated with the school if required; in order to support reintegration, or to ascertain next steps for the student. For students in Year 11, this could be a full-time programme with the student studying for a smaller number of examinations. Cost to Registered School AWPU per term (approx six weeks) for each student with any additional funding the student receives. Our approach To help students manage their school-related fears, our team will attempt to address any underlying issues. We will ensure the student, their family and key staff within schools are kept abreast of developments. We will create a personalised programme and tailor our approach to each student’s needs. We will gather information, plan and review progress, identifying potential barriers to learning and attendance, in order to provide the best methods of support. By utilising a range of strategies, staff will help students in managing and regulating their emotions. Our aim is to assist in reducing anxiety in academic and social situations, ultimately leading to improved attendance, emotional well-being and academic success at ViewPoint and eventually within the main school environment.

General information • Monday - Friday (excluding Wednesday) • Sessions will start at 10am and finish at 2pm • Wednesdays will be for Home Learning • Uniform will be black, grey and white • Students will need to provide a packed lunch and bring their own refreshments • Students will be entered as a ‘B’ at their registered school when attending ViewPoint Did it work? What is the Why is it “The small amount concern? happening? of students is good Review because you never feel Starting Information gathering judged.” point and assessment “This is a more How can we comfortable learning help? environment.” Planning and intervention Personalised support • Tutors to provide personalised tutoring in Maths, English “It has made me and Science (linked to exam board requirements) feel less worried about school.” • The opportunity to work on subject material provided by the registered school “My engagement in learning has • Professionals involved to support pastoral needs improved.” • Independent study, using different learning platforms • Personal development sessions to support emotional well-being • Educational goal planning - careers development with a specialist advisor • Collaborative case management with registered school • Back-to-school support with family and registered school to allow for successful reintegration (if appropriate)

Attendance Improvements 10% 96% 3% 54% 70% Examples of attendance improvements 40% 100% 83% after six weeks at ViewPoint: 40% 100% 35.7% 0% Impact on Learning and Well-being • Students developing confidence with staff and peers • All students engagement in learning has improved • Noticable improvement in knowledge from tutored sessions • Parents report home life improved with a reduction in anxiety “This has helped with my mental health, by letting me work in a calm environment.” “Less people reduces my stress levels. My focus levels have improved.” ViewPoint If you are interested in a place at Bordyke End ViewPoint, or for more information, East Street Tonbridge please contact Teresa Copeland Kent at Hillview School for Girls TN9 1HA on 01732 778 897 or e-mail at [email protected]