The Gateway School
Our Offer
Type of Provision
The Gateway School is part of the Creating Tomorrow Academy Trust. The majority of its students are from within the West Northamptonshire local authority area.
It is a special secondary academy for pupils aged 11–16 years who have an EHCP stating their primary needs are Social, Emotional and Mental Health.
Students are taught in year groups in maximum classes of 9 pupils. Each class is led by a Teacher or Sports Coach who is supported by at least one Learning Support Assistant. Students are also supported by Emotional Learning Support Assistants (ELSAs),
The school is inspected by Ofsted and is currently graded Outstanding (May 2019).
What we offer
The school is a specialist provision, offering students an appropriate curriculum as follows:
- Acquiring core knowledge (thresholds) across a range of core, practical and personal development subjects, linked to a range of qualifications at BTEC, ASDAN, EntryLevel, Functional Skills and GCSEs
- Personal development in line with the school’s six core values: Communication, Balance, Resilience, Going Beyond Your Borders, Reflection and Independence
- Teaching Acceptable Behaviour
Where possible, students are taught in year groups or Key Stage groups. In addition, learning and pastoral interventions are offered, based on need, and taught in a variety of structures, including 1:1, paired, and small groups.
The individual needs and learning styles of students determine the methodologies used.
Students have an allocated Form Tutor, supported by at least one LSA, who is responsible for working closely with the student to maximise their potential, and to act as first point of contact between home and school. Form Tutors are supported by the Pastoral Team, SEN Team and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) as appropriate.
Assessment and Monitoring
Assessment and Monitoring of EHCP Outcomes and Needs
The Gateway School will adhere to the requirements of the relevant SEN Code of Practice, ensuring due process is followed and timeframes maintained.
Students receive the following assessments and monitoring programmes:
- A statutory review of EHCP, known as an Annual Review, to discuss progress and review provision based on the student’s needs
- Each EHCP Outcome Short-step target is mapped to one, or more, applicable core values. Progress against short-step targets is assessed at least three times per year and from this, a priority rank of the six core values is shared with staff to ensure focus is placed on those areas of greatest need.
- Outcomes which have been achieved are replaced at the Annual Review (or sooner if necessary) with new outcomes and short-step targets.
- The school is committed to working with the Local Authority if it is agreed that the student no longer requires an EHC Plan, or that significant amendments are required to ensure it is a reflection of the student’s current needs.
- An individual risk assessment and behaviour management plan will be implemented, as required.
- Students classified as Looked After Children (LAC) will have additional LAC Review meetings and Personal Education Plans (PEPs), as applicable.
Assessment and Monitoring of Academic Progress
All pupils’ academic ability is base-lined during the first term. From this assessment, students are placed on the following tracks for each subject:
- Track A: High-attaining student, capable of sitting GCSE examinations and BTECs.
- Track B: Mid-attaining student, capable of sitting Entry-Level and Functional Skills qualifications, and BTECs.
- Track C: Low-attaining student, capable of sitting Entry-Level and possibly Functional Skills and BTEC qualifications.
Three times a year, pupils are assessed based on the following:
- Attitude and engagement in learning, including attendance in lessons. Assessment grades are:
- Outstanding
- Good
- Unsatisfactory
- Cause for Concern
- Progress in learning against expected track. Assessment grades are:
- Above Track
- On Track
- Working Towards
- Below Track
- Cause for Concern
Pupils’ academic, pastoral and EHCP Outcome progress is reported to parents twice a year.
Staff Structure
The school includes Teachers, Sports Coaches, High-Level Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants and Emotion-Based Learning Support Assistants. All staff are experienced in meeting the needs of students with SEMH needs.
Teachers and Support Assistants are supported by a Pastoral Team, a SEN Team, Administrative staff and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
SLT comprises:
- Headteacher
- Deputy Head-Teacher / SENCO
- Two Assistant Head Teachers
- Pastoral Manager
- Operations Manager
There is an appropriate number of staff for each group of students.
