Links Multi Academy Trust

Inclusion

Links Inclusion

Hatfield

St Albans

The Links Academy inclusion unit at the Hatfield site primarily serves students from the local educational district who have been permanently excluded from a secondary school, are not currently in full-time education, or cannot access education in a mainstream school environment. Students attend the centre for two learning sessions daily, focusing mainly on Maths and English, although, in exceptional circumstances, other subjects may be included. Functional Skills in Maths and English are emphasised for Key Stage 4 students. Some students may also have bespoke timetables created based on their GCSE options. Key Stage 3 students follow the same scheme of work as full-time students at Links Academy, Hatfield, for Maths and English. Lessons are taught by two fully qualified and experienced teachers in a classroom with a high staff-to-student ratio. All work is assessed, and we aim to prepare students for their next full-time educational placement.

We also provide Sixth-Day Provision for students awaiting the outcomes of their GDC and/or panel meetings. This provision includes assessing students' reading and spelling ages and conducting other rigorous tests such as CATS and Lucid. The results of these tests are sent to the HCC Inclusion Team and may be used to help secure a new school placement. We also implement a “readiness” programme, helping students prepare for reintegration into education. This includes exploring their triggers, future plans, aspirations, and anger management. These activities form part of the relationship-building process essential for successful inclusion.

Finally, we prepare long-term students to join the main Links Academy Hatfield site through a similar programme as Sixth-Day Provision students. This ensures they are fully prepared to transition into a new learning environment. Several external agencies, including the HCC Inclusion Team and social services, work with our students to help them plan and prepare for both their present and future.

The St Albans Inclusion Unit supports the transition of students who have been, or are at risk of being, permanently excluded from mainstream settings within the area to our main school site on Hixberry Lane. Additionally, our Inclusion Unit supports existing students of Links Academy St Albans by providing an alternative learning space at our Hixberry Lane site when required.

We strive to create a warm, welcoming environment that encourages and motivates individuals to develop a positive attitude toward school and adopt behaviours that promote positive future outcomes.

Students access the Inclusion Unit for two-hour learning sessions daily, focusing primarily on Maths and English. In exceptional circumstances, other subjects may be included, and the duration of daily provision may vary based on the student’s needs.

New students at Links Academy undergo a range of baseline assessments while in the Inclusion Unit. These assessments provide staff with clear insights into each young person’s academic strengths and challenges. Using this information, we can design stimulating, enriching lessons tailored to individual learning needs.

Due to the fluid nature of students attending the Inclusion Unit and the varying durations of their stays, our curriculum adapts continually to meet current student needs.

Our primary curriculum focus is preparing Key Stage 4 students and more capable Key Stage 3 students with the knowledge required to achieve Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These qualifications emphasise essential academic skills for daily life, such as writing emails, creating CVs, working with percentages, and understanding measurements.

Progression towards these qualifications also reinforces knowledge and skills essential for GCSE examinations. This ensures that students pursuing Functional Skills qualifications simultaneously make progress in their English Language and Maths GCSE knowledge.

For students studying towards GCSEs, we provide access to the GCSE English and Maths curriculum available at Hixberry Lane. Access to other courses and options is facilitated where appropriate for individual learners.

For Key Stage 3 students, we deliver a combination of Functional Skills content alongside bespoke Key Stage 3 lessons. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with the English and Maths teams at Hixberry Lane to ensure curriculum overlap where possible. This alignment supports smoother transitions for Key Stage 3 students moving to Hixberry.