Innovate Dorset Ltd

Description

An alternative education provision and inclusive support service.  Group work, tutoring, mentoring and exam centre, Education Other Than at School(EOTAS), Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator(SENCO) support. Progression to adulthood and developing social skills with transition back to either mainstream education, post-16 pathways, employment or training.

Organisational Standards – At Innovate Dorset Ltd, we have established systems, policies and ways of working that ensure the provision is safe, consistent and genuinely supportive of the young people we work with. Our approach is built around relationships, emotional safety and helping students move back towards positive engagement in education or training.

Leadership and Oversight – Our senior leadership team has extensive experience. We meet regularly to review provision, track outcomes and reflect on what is working well and what needs adapting. We maintain close working relationships with referrers and other professionals so that support remains coordinated and transparent.

Safeguarding – Safeguarding is central to everything we do.

• We follow Keeping Children Safe in Education and all staff complete safeguarding and Prevent training as part of induction and on a regular refresh cycle.
• We have a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
• Every member of staff holds an enhanced DBS.
• Our safeguarding systems are designed to ensure concerns are recorded, monitored, and acted on promptly, with good information-sharing and professional curiosity.

Behaviour and Relationships – Our behaviour policy is built on relational, trauma-informed practice rather than a traditional sanction-based model. We recognise that many young people referred to us have experienced school breakdown or exclusion, often due to unmet emotional or social needs. Staff use de-escalation, boundaries, consistency and restorative conversations to help students feel safe and in control of their own behaviour over time.

Curriculum and Learning Pathways – We are a registered exam centre, which allows us to provide continuity and a clear sense of purpose for young people who may have experienced significant educational disruption. Many of our students work towards:

• Functional Skills qualifications (English and Maths) at Entry Level through to Level 2
• BTEC vocational pathways
• AQA Unit Award Scheme modules to recognise incremental progress and build confidence

We also offer life skills, personal development, outdoor learning and project-based learning where appropriate. The curriculum is flexible and personalised but also structured enough to show clear academic progress.

Staff Team and Professional Development – 
Our staff team includes qualified teachers, support staff and experienced mentors. Staff receive ongoing training in:

• Trauma-informed practice
• SEND and neurodiversity
• Mental health and emotional regulation
• Safeguarding and information sharing

Regular supervision, team meetings and reflective practice sessions ensure consistency and support across all staff.

Quality Assurance and Monitoring – We track attendance, engagement, academic progress and personal development for each learner. We share updates with schools and commissioning partners regularly and adjust support plans as needed.

Greener Planet – All delivery staff use electric vehicles to collect and return young people to and from sessions, resulting in a lower carbon footprint.

Data Protection and Information Security – We comply fully with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Personal information is held securely and shared only with the professionals who need it for safeguarding or educational planning.

Type of provision

Universal - Support available to everyone, including reasonable adjustments for those with special educational needs and disabilities

Contact information

• Address:Unit 4, Coldharbour Business Park, Sherborne DT9 4JW
• Phone:01202 885511
• Website:Innovate Dorset Ltd website
• Email:k.tatchell@innovatedorset.co.uk