A new initiative is under way to keep vulnerable Lowestoft pupils in mainstream education.
Launched by Ormiston Academies Trust, in partnership with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), the pioneering pilot concentrates on early intervention.
The Managed Intervention Centre (MIC) offers tailored support to selected pupils, with the goal of helping them maintain their place in mainstream schools and achieve their full potential.
The Lowestoft scheme, due to begin this month, spans three academic terms and operates alongside another centre in Stoke.
Each facility will cater to up to 15 individuals from twelve Ormiston-led academies in both regions for five weeks.
The focus of MIC is to encourage positive learning and behaviour, develop community spirit, and boost self-confidence in students.
Additionally, a personalised Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum is provided to better support their progress in mainstream settings.
This initiative draws on the success of three established MICs in London.
More than a decade's evidence from one such model in Westminster shows that personalised assistance notably affects pupils initially at risk of expulsion, helping them to persevere and even complete their education in mainstream schools.
Both centres will also enhance professional development opportunities for staff, adding quality to their trust's inclusion strategies.
Ormiston is set to spearhead a project contributing to broader inclusion evidence.
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The Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI) will independently evaluate the programme.
Wasim Butt, director of alternative provision and special academies at Ormiston Academies Trust, said: “By expanding our MIC network we are continuing to grow our knowledge and experience, and will be helping even more students achieve their best.
Tom Rees, chief executive officer of Ormiston Academies Trust, said: “We are proud to be scaling up our existing provision to provide bespoke, early support to more pupils within our trust who need that extra help to succeed."
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