Our Programmes Alternative Learning Hub (ALH) Boost Boost Alternative Learning Hub provision for students aged 14–16 who are disengaged from school Boost is Bath Rugby Foundation’s Alternative Learning Hub programme for young people who have disconnected from mainstream school.Designed for students facing exclusion, persistent absence, EBSA, low confidence or NEET risk, Boost offers a structured, human-centred environment where learners can rebuild belief in themselves, gain qualifications, develop essential life skills and create clear pathways to their futures. Helping young people reconnect with learning through 1-1 mentoring, social learning labs, vocational experiences and Functional Skills qualifications. Our Vision Every child deserves a fair start in life. Our Purpose To provide social, emotional and practical support for children and young people who need it - but don’t get it. Our Values Collaboration – Teamwork amplifies changeTrust – Relationships are at the heart of everything we doHope – We help young people believe in a better tomorrowBelief – Every young person has potentialCompassion – We lead with empathy and care What is Boost? Boost is Bath Rugby Foundation’s established Alternative Learning Hub provision for 14-16-year-olds who are no longer thriving in mainstream education.Many of our students have experienced long-term absence, exclusion risk, anxiety or SEMH barriers, and some have not attended school for more than 18 months. Boost provides a safe, structured and motivating alternative.Students receive: Functional Skills qualifications in English, Maths, and Digital Skills (Entry Level 2 - Level 3) Social Learning Labs to build communication, resilience and decision-making 1:1 and group mentoring Sport and physical activity Life skills and PSHE sessions Vocational work experience through Work Experience Wednesdays 10 life skills tracked through our Student Passports Our approach is centred on unconditional positive regard, predictable routines and a “high control, low stakes” environment where mistakes are learning opportunities, not punishments. Why Boost? 20% of pupils in B&NES are persistently absent (HMCI Annual Report 2023/24) B&NES has one of the highest suspension rates for pupils on free school meals By May 2025, almost 10% of B&NES secondary pupils had been suspended at least once Incarcerating a young offender costs up to £140,000 per year Boost gives vulnerable young people structure, purpose, belonging and positive routes into education, training or employment. Who it’s for Boost supports 14–16-year-olds who are: Disengaged or long-term absent At risk of exclusion Experiencing anxiety, low confidence or EBSA At risk of becoming NEET Permanently excluded or awaiting new provision Referral routes include:Schools, SENCO teams, Youth Connect South West, Youth Justice, B&NES Alternative Learning Team, Virtual Schools, In-Care Teams, Bath College and local authorities. Annual capacity: Two cohorts of up to 10 students Work Experience Wednesday cohort of 5 students Where it takes place Boost is delivered at:Bath Rec Sports Hub, BA2 4ETUp to 15 hours of provision per week, delivered across three days (Monday–Friday), 9am–2pm Work Experience Wednesday runs off-site with transport provided. Staffing model Small groups supported by Alternative Learning Hub Tutors, Coach, and ManagerHuman-centred, trauma-informed practiceRegular communication with schools, referrers, and carers Delivery model Term-time delivery (September–July) Packages up to a maximum of 15 hours available Mondays - Fridays: 9am–2pm Work Experience Wednesday optional pathway Close collaboration with schools, parents and local authority teams Referral from schools, SENCOs, AP leads, Youth Connect SW, local authorities and behaviour panels What schools can expect A targeted intervention for vulnerable 14–16-year-olds A safe, structured and relational learning environment Regular attendance and behaviour updates Termly reports and measurable progress (Student Passport) Alignment with Ofsted Personal Development and Behaviour & Attitudes frameworks Trauma-informed practice and strong safeguarding Clear onward placement planning What people say Staff:“Boost shifts the question from ‘Why won’t they go to school?’ to ‘What’s stopping them?’ It’s human-centred, hopeful and built around what young people need to move forward.” Stakeholder:“Bath Rugby Foundation has offered our pupils exactly the kind of bespoke provision they required.”— B&NES SEND & AP Advice Service Young person:“I used to feel like a problem. Now I feel like a person.” Progress in numbers 80% average attendance, up from 18% on arrival 100% sit Functional Skills exams for the first time 90% exam pass rate 100% moved into a new placement (further education, employment, or training) How to refer We accept referrals from: Schools and multi-academy trusts SENCOs and inclusion teams Local authorities Behaviour panels Alternative provision leads If you’d like to refer a student, and find out more about costs, contact us today: [email protected] Manage Cookie Preferences