21 April 2025 Bank Holiday 22 April 2025 School Based Inset 23 April 2025 MAT Inset 24 April 2025 Student Performance Review Day |
We are an Education Support Centre (ESC) for students in school years 7 – 11 at risk of or permanent exclusion from school – the majority of the students educated here arrive with some barriers to learning which we do our best to help overcome. We also provide an Outreach service to both Primary and Secondary Schools as well as a Primary Support base for St Albans schools. Students are referred to us via a Local Authority panel usually at the request of their mainstream setting.
Links Academy works towards raising the achievement of all our students and ensures equality of opportunity for all regardless of gender, race, SEND, background and sexual orientation. Our aim is to provide all students with strategies for dealing with their needs in a supportive environment and to give them meaningful access to learning regardless of their special educational needs/disability.
We have a diverse team, including Senior Leadership, administration, teaching staff, Pastoral Leaders and support assistants who are here to help support students in achieving their own personal best. To help families and students we also employ a Life Coach at Hatfield, and a Healthy Lifestyles lead at St Albans who provide personalised support around personal, social and emotional, mental health needs.
Our SEND leader is Miss G Nash and is based at our St Albans site. We have two SENCos at Hatfield who are Miss N Radmore and Mrs M Bruce. Our SEND Trustee is Ms S Hundal. The staff team have experience in a range of settings and undergo frequent training to enable the best possible support for the students.
Home, schools and families provide us with background information and key data. On entry, all students undertake a range of initial assessments. Baseline data including academic data allow us to plan teaching and support strategies that are reviewed frequently so that appropriate interventions are in place for each young person. As part of the Centre’s admission arrangements there is an Induction meeting with parents/carers, Head of school and the young person to discuss any specific needs and news.
As we are an interim education provision we plan for the next educational placement for our students. If appropriate we will support an application for an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and support the transition into the next school. Parents/carers are included in all areas of discussion about key developments.
Each student has specific targets that focus on learning and behaviour. These are reviewed every half term and strategies are put in place for each individual. These can range from visual aids in the classroom to work experience placements.
Students have the benefit of very small class groups which helps us to personalise the support. Alongside the small classes some sessions may also have by a teaching assistant. Support staff are used flexibly to meet students’ needs.
The school works closely with external agencies to provide additional support for students when required. Examples of some of these are listed: Educational Psychologists, SASH, CAMHS and the Local Authority SEND team amongst many others.
We also have a ‘Need help?’ page below. Please have a look at the wide range of services and support that can be available to you. ADD PAGE LINK HERE!
As we are an interim education provision we plan for the next educational placement for our students. If appropriate we will support an application for an Education Health and Care Place (EHC) and support the transition in to the next school. Parents/carers are included in all areas of discussion about key developments. We can also signpost and support with accessing other agencies who can support each young person in line with a gradiated approach.
Each student has specific targets that focus on learning and behaviour. These are reviewed every half term and strategies are put in place for each individual. These can range from visual aids in the classroom to working in isolation.
Students have the benefit of very small class groups. Each student is taught by subject staff and may also be supported by a teaching assistant. Support staff are used flexibly to meet students’ needs.
The school work closely with external agencies to provide extra support for students if required. These are listed below:
Students are guided by Youth Connexions in preparation for next steps. Where appropriate work experience is arranged.
Below are various websites and organizations that offer resources, guidance, and support related to ADHD, autism, EHCP applications, and family assistance.
The Links Academy serves the needs of primary and secondary schools and their students in the St. Albans and Harpenden districts of Hertfordshire.
Travellers Lane
Hatfield, Herts
AL10 8TJ
1 Hixberry Lane
St Albans, Herts
AL4 0TZ
Woollam Crescent
AL3 6EJ
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