Additional Resourced Provision

What was this project about?

As part of the wider SEND review in North Tyneside, we were asked to gather the views of children and young people attending schools with Additionally Resourced Provisions in North Tyneside.

Children and Young People Participation and Engagement

Currently there are 11 North Tyneside school with an existing ARP, 1 First school, 5 Primary schools, 1 Middle school and 5 Secondary schools. We reached out to all 11 ARP schools and visited 6 who were able to take part in the consultation, speaking to a total of 49 children and young people aged between 7-16 years old.

We asked 7 questions to gain a better understanding from children and young people attending ARP provisions within North Tyneside what their knowledge of an ARP was and what their experience had been through their educational journey so far

Key themes or issues identified from Children and young people throughout the consultation.

Transition in and out of the ARP’s was a key stress factor for all young people, although they were able to recognise that it was also a natural feeling to be nervous with change particularly one as significant as moving school. The uncertainty of not knowing what’s next was clear for those in their final years whether this be first, primary or secondary. Transition was highlighted throughout as a challenge and upon discussion with staff, they have found that this is often frustrating for parents/carers also as they frequently expect the same model across all ARP’s. This can narrow the transition options for some students often increasing in the number of transitions required for any one student within their education.

Impact

Through the consultation children and young people raised that transitioning between schools is a concern for them. Whilst this a natural worry, we recognise that some children and young people need extra support during this transition period. As a result, we have given additional funding to some schools to support those children and young people who need more of a bespoke transition programme.

One of the key drivers in developing our ARPs/SEN units is to support children and young people to access the right type of provision and receive the right level of support within their local community. We are rapidly developing our ARPs/SEN units across North Tyneside. At the end of 2023/ 2024 academic year we had 11 ARPs/SEN units with 134 ARP places. At the end of 2024/2025 academic year, we have 13 ARPs with 170 ARP places. This means that more children and young people will be able to stay within their local school community with their friends.

Whilst we recognise the ARPs operate differently within different schools, what is evident across all the young people and children is that they felt they were supported throughout. They also felt that being part of an ARP offered them a SAFE SPACE while feeling valued within their school community.

What was this project about?

As part of the wider SEND review in North Tyneside, we were asked to gather the views of children and young people attending schools with Additionally Resourced Provisions in North Tyneside.

Children and Young People Participation and Engagement

Currently there are 11 North Tyneside school with an existing ARP, 1 First school, 5 Primary schools, 1 Middle school and 5 Secondary schools. We reached out to all 11 ARP schools and visited 6 who were able to take part in the consultation, speaking to a total of 49 children and young people aged between 7-16 years old.

We asked 7 questions to gain a better understanding from children and young people attending ARP provisions within North Tyneside what their knowledge of an ARP was and what their experience had been through their educational journey so far

Key themes or issues identified from Children and young people throughout the consultation.

Transition in and out of the ARP’s was a key stress factor for all young people, although they were able to recognise that it was also a natural feeling to be nervous with change particularly one as significant as moving school. The uncertainty of not knowing what’s next was clear for those in their final years whether this be first, primary or secondary. Transition was highlighted throughout as a challenge and upon discussion with staff, they have found that this is often frustrating for parents/carers also as they frequently expect the same model across all ARP’s. This can narrow the transition options for some students often increasing in the number of transitions required for any one student within their education.

Impact

Through the consultation children and young people raised that transitioning between schools is a concern for them. Whilst this a natural worry, we recognise that some children and young people need extra support during this transition period. As a result, we have given additional funding to some schools to support those children and young people who need more of a bespoke transition programme.

One of the key drivers in developing our ARPs/SEN units is to support children and young people to access the right type of provision and receive the right level of support within their local community. We are rapidly developing our ARPs/SEN units across North Tyneside. At the end of 2023/ 2024 academic year we had 11 ARPs/SEN units with 134 ARP places. At the end of 2024/2025 academic year, we have 13 ARPs with 170 ARP places. This means that more children and young people will be able to stay within their local school community with their friends.

Whilst we recognise the ARPs operate differently within different schools, what is evident across all the young people and children is that they felt they were supported throughout. They also felt that being part of an ARP offered them a SAFE SPACE while feeling valued within their school community.