TITLE OF DEVELOPING PRACTICE EXAMPLE
Positive Interventions Base @Broxburn Academy
built BY
Digitize Pathways in partnership with Tablet academy Scotland and Co.Lab Hub
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CONTEXT / BACKGROUND
We were looking at revisit the Positive Behaviour and Relationships Policy as a school while, alongside this, working with the Inclusion and Wellbeing Service we developed our Positive Interventions Base (PI Base). We were looking to provide opportunities for young people to be involved in one or more interventions that would positively impact their behaviour and ultimately giving them a more inclusive education. To allow them to make the best choices for them, we would talk to their key adult in school and a number of other staff. This is to look at their areas of strength and development and decide the best intervention for them - or create a bespoke package for the individual. The young person would also voice their opinion on their strengths, weaknesses and wellbeing. At every step of the way the family is involved in the decision making and moving forward in the interventions themselves.
WHAT WE DID
We initially were making a move to a new base in order coincide with the relaunch of the Positive Behaviour and Relationships Policy. We set up the new room with individual work spaces, a chill out area and a group work area. Permission was granted to use a disused area at the back of the PI Base, to accommodate outdoor learning in the form of a community garden/bike track. Every time a pupil accesses the PI Base they complete the Inclusion Passport. The passport tracks their strengths, weaknesses, interests and wellbeing along with staff and parent/carer input. We have since been in touch with a number of partners to use their input in creating interventions. One of these being the Scottish Fire Service, which has been a great success.
HOW WE DID IT
Working within the IWS Skill Station model we looked at what would be appropriate in supporting our young people with their needs. We initially identified those that would need support with choosing good behaviour or making positive choices. Once those young people were identified we looked at referrals, spoke with parents/carers and discussed at the support meeting what would be an appropriate intervention suited to their needs. Using partners such as our campus police officer, The Scottish Fire Service, mental health charities we collaboratively wrote interventions to suit our needs. We also wrote our own interventions including self-care, social media and scenario work.
IMPACT / OUTCOMES
Immediate benefits of the PI Base are that those that have issues around the school, will access the PI Base and have success. They work on numeracy, literacy and wellbeing along with strategies that the pupil can put into place, or the staff that work with that particular young person. The Scottish Fire Service link has shared that the secondary fires in Broxburn, which was previously a hotspot, has reduced significantly in the 6 week intervention he has run with our most high profile young people. Long term potential impact is raising attainment, attendance and reducing demerits and referrals, ultimately keeping the young person in education and achieving as they move up into senior phase.
FEEDBACK
The young people we work with enjoy caring for the plants and watering them daily. They ask to go out and work on the community garden. Those that have been involved in the fire service, have been attentive and attended all sessions - some pupils coming in for the intervention alone.
Categories
Stage focus
Tags
LA
West Lothian
Where?
Broxburn EH52, UK
CONTACT PERSON
Alex Scoular
CONTACT EMAIL
alex.scoular@westlothian.org.uk
