Welcome to Alternative Learning Trust (ALT)

We are a new multi-academy trust for Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), Alternative Provision, and specialist settings. The Limes College in Sutton, Surrey, which is rated as ‘outstanding’ in every area by Ofsted, was the initiating organisation for Alternative Learning Trust and converted to an academy within the Trust on 1 June 2019. We have developed the Trust to provide a strong, sustainable supportive and vocal home for provisions that are often under supported, funded and thought of last in national and local policy and funding. We are a collaborative Trust, as we see the most lasting development and improvements coming from working together.

Alternative Learning Trust is founded on non-negotiable values based on foundation stone beliefs in the need for people to flourish in all areas of their lives, that we are stronger through a sense of community, that social justice is vital and that the ability to give and receive love/unconditional regard is essential.

Members, Trustees, local governors and staff at all our schools share these values. We are driven by the compelling aim to transform the educational experiences of disadvantaged young people, offering them opportunities which will empower them to reach sustainable outcomes for the rest of their lives.

These values are accompanied by excellent pedagogy, vibrant curriculum models and responsible governance.

I encourage you to explore the site and to be in contact with us.

Sam Guy
Chair of Trustees

Emma Bradshaw OBE
Executive Principal

Over the last 14 years The Limes College, which is the founding provision for Alternative Learning Trust, has developed to become a nationally recognised provision for children unable to access mainstream school.

The school moved from “good” to “outstanding”.

Key Successes

• High attainment – consistently above national average for PRUs and AP
• Strong multi-agency partnership working within local area through Local Safeguarding Childrens Partnership and Vulnerable Pupils' Panel
• Strong and experienced staff team, who train and support others
• We have supported other schools, PRUs and AP
• Innovative programmes and support developed to resolve issues behind the behaviours as to why children need alternative provision, including:
• innovative work with families
• strong multi agency team developed to enable teachers to teach
• deliver work for families experiencing domestic abuse
• use of restorative approach and restorative justice
• mental health and trauma support work
• family intervention groups and 1:1 support
• training and behaviour support work
• contextual safeguarding
• number of accolades – TES AP Award, Dallaglio, SEND

Media articles – The Sunday Times Magazine, The Independent, BBC News, Channel 4 News, Today Programme (BBC Radio 4), BBC Radio London (interview with Vanessa Feltz)

Emma took part as a witness in the Education Select Committee's inquiry into exclusions, behaviour and alternative provision. On another occasion Emma appeared with some of The Limes College's students in front of the Parliamentary Select Committee regarding the implementation of the new Domestic Abuse Act and its impact on children.

OUR MISSION

To strengthen Alternative Provision (AP) and Special Schools/Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and their collaboration with mainstream schools and the full range of children’s services nationally to improve outcomes for children with SEN, challenging behaviour and their families.

OUR VISION

To improve outcomes for the most disadvantaged children and their families in our communities, based on the foundation stones of unconditional positive regard (person centred, empathy, compassion, care), flourishing (high expectations, purpose and fulfilment; pushing forward, emerging, transforming and achieving), social justice and community.