We are exceptionally proud of the behaviour at TFA, and it was fantastic to see this recognised in the recent Ofsted inspection where it was described as “exemplary”.
The vast majority of students come to school everyday with a positive attitude and conform to the high standards and expectations of the academy. However, there is a small minority of students who make poor choices and unfortunately receive sanctions in line with the PD policy. One of those sanctions is serving a period in isolation.
The isolation provision is an area of the school that has been significantly developed over the last couple of years and one that we feel helps students to make better choices moving forwards . Although this is one of most serious sanctions in the PD policy, the wellbeing of students who are spending time in the isolation provision is absolutely paramount and we ensure every student serving an isolation feels supported from start to finish. The isolation room is set up very much like a classroom setting and students have the opportunity to serve their period in isolation at a classroom desk as opposed to a booth. When they first arrive a mental wellbeing check is always undertaken and this is recorded on a visual card on the desk, students are continuously checked in on throughout the day. Whilst in isolation students complete the same lessons as their peers, to ensure that their academic progress is not disadvantaged as a result of the sanction.
To further support their mental wellbeing, students also have at least one isolation conversation per day, not only is this a reflective practice to aid a positive return to lessons, it is also used as a vehicle to support that young persons wellbeing . During break and lunchtime students have the opportunity to undertake mindfulness activities, giving them the opportunity to relax and switch off from their learning.
To further support their wellbeing and to ensure that students are comfortable in isolation, each room contains a state of the art heating system, that keeps the rooms at an ambient temperature all year round. Students also have access to support from the behaviour, inclusion and SEND teams, to further support them serving an isolation.
Although we see isolation as one of our most serious sanctions we believe that students should be supported and reformed during their time in the provision.
