Supporting children and young people outside mainstream education

RTQ provides educational support for children and young people who may be unable to access, or are currently not accessing, mainstream education.

This can include students receiving Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) provision, students accessing Alternative Provision, students experiencing school avoidance or EBSA, students who have been excluded, and students who require a more individualised approach to their education.

Our aim is to provide a safe, structured and supportive educational environment that enables students to continue learning, build confidence and work towards their individual educational goals.

RTQ currently supports students through one-to-one tuition, online provision, in-person tuition and specialist educational support. We work alongside parents, carers, schools, local authorities and other professionals where appropriate.

Safeguarding students receiving EOTAS / Alternative Provision

We recognise that children and young people receiving education outside a mainstream school environment may have additional vulnerabilities or safeguarding needs.

Safeguarding remains central to every aspect of our provision.

Our tutors:

• are DBS checked;

• receive appropriate safeguarding training;

• receive awareness training covering KCSIE Part 1, online safety and Prevent;

• follow RTQ's safeguarding policies and procedures;

• follow our professional boundaries and tutor code of conduct;

• report safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead;

• maintain appropriate communication with parents, carers and relevant professionals;

• receive management oversight and support.

These arrangements apply whether tuition is delivered online or in person.

Working with schools, families and professionals

Where a student is receiving EOTAS or Alternative Provision, we recognise the importance of working collaboratively around the child.

Subject to appropriate consent and information-sharing requirements, RTQ may work with:

• parents and carers;

• schools and colleges;

• local authorities;

• social workers and children's services;

• SEND professionals;

• virtual school teams;

• other education or safeguarding professionals.

We aim to provide clear communication about attendance, engagement, progress and any concerns that may affect a student's education, safety or wellbeing.

Where a safeguarding concern arises, RTQ will follow its safeguarding procedures and may share information with the appropriate safeguarding agency where this is necessary to protect a child or young person.

Individualised and trauma-informed support

Our Alternative Provision and EOTAS-related support is designed around the individual student.

Some of the young people we work with have experienced disrupted education, difficulties attending school, exclusion, behavioural difficulties, low confidence or other barriers to education.

Our trauma-informed approach aims to provide a calm and supportive environment in which students can develop trusting professional relationships and re-engage with learning.

We do not expect every student to engage with education in exactly the same way. Support is adapted according to the student's circumstances, educational needs and agreed objectives.

Attendance, engagement and welfare

For students receiving EOTAS or Alternative Provision, RTQ maintains appropriate records of sessions and engagement.

Where concerns arise regarding a student's attendance, welfare, safety or ability to engage with education, these will be discussed and escalated appropriately in line with RTQ's procedures and any agreed arrangements with the commissioning organisation, school or local authority.

Our priority is to ensure that a student does not become isolated from education or from the professionals responsible for supporting their welfare.

A safe alternative learning environment

RTQ provides a structured learning environment for students who may find mainstream education difficult to access.

Our provision can include:

• regular one-to-one tuition;

• core subject support;

• GCSE and examination preparation;

• catch-up support;

• online education;

• in-person education;

• confidence-building through learning;

• flexible provision;

• support with transition and reintegration into mainstream education or college.

Since 2020, RTQ has supported more than 200 students to re-enter education following periods away from mainstream education.

Safeguarding concerns

If you have a safeguarding concern about a student receiving EOTAS or Alternative Provision through RTQ, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Jo Austin

Email:
contact.readthequestion@gmail.com

Telephone:
07970863999

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.