For schools & commissioners
A straightforward, well-communicated alternative provision partner for referrals, placements and reporting.
The offer, briefly
A clear, flexible alternative provision partner
GM works with schools and local authorities to provide personalised alternative provision for 11 to 19 year olds, with clear referral, communication and review throughout. We work as an extension of your existing support for the young person, reporting back to you regularly.
Referral process
The referral journey
The steps below outline how a referral progresses, from initial enquiry through to placement and ongoing review.
Enquiry
Initial contact from a school or commissioner about a potential referral.
Initial Discussion
A conversation to understand the young person's needs and circumstances.
Meeting with the student, parents/carers and school
Bringing everyone together to talk things through.
Information Gathering
Relevant background information is shared between school and GM.
Discussion of a suitable programme and creation of a bespoke package
Agreeing a suitable, bespoke programme together.
Induction & Assessment
An initial period to assess fit and settle the young person in.
Programme Agreed
A personalised programme confirmed with the school and family.
Placement Begins
The young person starts their programme with GM.
Monitoring & Review
Ongoing attendance, progress and review, reported back to the school.
Operational overview
What you need to know
Referrals
Referrals usually come directly from schools or local authorities, and a referral form is completed as part of the process. GM provides placements for young people aged 11–19. Suitability for a placement is considered in discussion with the referring organisation, to make sure GM can appropriately meet the young person's needs.
Progress reporting
Update frequency depends on each young person's needs and circumstances, ranging from more frequent informal updates through to formal termly progress reports, completed by Leigh. Reports may include attendance, engagement, behaviour, progress towards agreed targets, achievements and next steps, giving schools and other referring organisations a clear picture of a young person's progress and any areas needing further support.
Attendance monitoring
Attendance is recorded daily and shared with the referring school and relevant Education Welfare or Inclusion Officers, with information typically completed by around 10:15am; attendance and welfare concerns are recorded on CPOMS so they can be identified and followed up. When a young person doesn't attend, GM follows this up and works with the referring school, family and other relevant professionals, which may include welfare checks at the young person's home, or contacting the referring school or local authority for advice and further action if a parent or carer can't be reached. Where non-attendance raises a welfare or safety concern, it's treated as a potential safeguarding matter under GM's safeguarding procedures.
Provision
Personalised education, pastoral support and, where suitable, work placements. See Our Provision for detail.
Communication
A clear contact route for discussing potential placements, suitability, availability, costs and ongoing communication throughout a placement.
Placements
Work placements are arranged where appropriate, with every employer reviewed by GM first. See Work Placements.
Availability
Current availability is discussed directly with the referring school or local authority.
Costs
Costs and funding arrangements are discussed as part of the referral and placement conversation.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is built into every part of our provision, with named Designated Safeguarding Leads, annual Level 3 safeguarding training and Enhanced DBS checks required for all staff. See our Safeguarding page for full detail.
Areas we cover
Where we currently work
We currently work with young people, schools and commissioners across:
Not sure if we cover your area? Contact us to discuss a potential placement.
Let's talk about a referral
Get in touch to discuss a specific young person, or to arrange a general introductory meeting.