AN ACADEMY providing educational placements for children and young people who cannot be accommodated in mainstream or special school provisions is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Boost Academy is an alternative “all-through” provision based in Weston-super-Mare catering for students across North Somerset.

A spokesperson for the academy said: “Based in Weston super Mare we cater for students from North Somerset and beyond, receiving referrals from schools, local authorities or privately.

“We are on the ‘Approved’ list of ‘Alternative Learning Provisions’ in North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Somerset.

“Boost caters for children and young people who experience difficulties associated with social, emotional and mental health development, or who may have been exposed to trauma and/or adverse childhood experiences. 

“Our students may also have additional developmental needs, including autism that impact upon their emotional health and wellbeing and create barriers to learning. 

“At Boost we can educate students...

• from age 5 to post-16

• from 1 hour to 18 hours per week

• on a therapeutic and/or academic timetable

• from EYFS to GCSE Higher level “

... as part of a transitional programme (e.g. 3 months) back to school or onto another school, or on a more permanent basis (1 year+) ,

“We work closely with our students, their families and professionals to create bespoke programmes of learning, delivering a personalised curriculum, incorporating the national curriculum and meeting the individual needs of our students, whilst also supporting them to meet the outcomes identified in their EHCPs. 

“Every student has an individualised education plan which identifies their areas of need and how we can best address them.  

“At Boost, we educate students 1-1, or in small groups that we think appropriate once we get to know personalities and academic levels, which helps them to develop positive relationships and build confidence.

“In addition to academic subjects we have Makaton tutors, outdoor education/forest schools’ leaders, interventions and counsellors and provide trampolining and Rebound Therapy for students.”

A parent said: “My son (O) was out of education for nearly 2 years, before we were able to access Boost.

“This year his attendance has been 95 per cent and he’s working towards his GCSE’s, something I thought impossible just a short time ago."

Another said: “(A) has recently started attending Boost after rarely leaving the house at all in the last two years.

“Attendance is not perfect, but the staff have made him feel so comfortable that we’re already making great progress.”