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Dacorum Education Support Centre

Dacorum Education Support Centre

Key Stage 3

The rationale for the majority of learners at KS3 is to support and prepare them for a successful reintegration back in to mainstream school.  For some learners it will be supporting a successful application for an EHCP (Education Healthcare Plan).  For others it will be a positive transition to our KS4 Centre.

The curriculum model therefore is a twin track holistic and academic approach.  

Learners returning to mainstream will follow the 12 week intensive Hub Programme.

Hub Programme

Learners work in small groups of 3,4 and 5 with a dedicated hub teacher and TA.  They follow the principles of Tuckman’s Forming-Storming-Norming-Performing model.  They explore this through topics such as:

  • Having a Conversation
  • My Strengths
  • Dealing with Anger
  • Confrontation
  • Conflict Behaviour and Bullying

Learners also have lessons in English, Maths and ICT, as well as more practical subjects such as Cookery, Art and PE. In addition, learners spend time doing enrichment activities which promote collaborative working, life skills, social cohesion and resilience.  Meal times or break times are included but are used as learning opportunities in how to behave during unstructured times.

All learners at Key Stage 3 undertake Learning Outside the Classroom LOtC which gives them opportunities for developing their leadership skills, team building, communication, confidence, self-esteem, independence, and decision and choice making.

Extended Hub Programme

The extended provision is for learners who will benefit from a nurturing-approach but need longer than a term to address ingrained maladaptive behaviour and reengage with education. Learners in this pathway may return to their original school but most will be waiting for a new school placement.

The curriculum is aimed at addressing barriers to learning and improving social skills but with a greater focus on building character and helping learners to become more robust. Learners are also offered lessons in English, Maths and ICT, as well as more practical subjects such as Cookery, Art and PE. In addition, learners spend time doing enrichment activities which promote collaborative working, social cohesion and resilience. Meal times or break times are included but are used as learning opportunities in how to behave during unstructured times in school. 

Learners are also involved in Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC).

Group Provision

Group provision is designed for:

  • Learners who are awaiting a place in the hub programme
  • Learners who need settling-in time before entering the hub programme
  • Learners who need smaller adult: learner ratios
  • Learners who are on short-term respite from school

Group provision has a focus on improving literacy and numeracy skills as well as covering subjects such as Cookery, Art, ICT and social skills. Time is also built in to deliver literacy and numeracy interventions for pupils who need it.

Learners are moved to hub programmes if and when it is appropriate.

Learners are also involved in Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC).

Day 6 Provision

In the case where a child has been permanently excluded from their school we will undertake their educational provision until the date of the Governors Disciplinary Hearing.

We will make arrangements to contact the family and map out a suitable plan according to the needs of the individual learner.

The programme includes baseline testing, pen portraits and pupil profiling as well as covering English and Maths together with areas of interest arising from the young person.