Key Information
General Information about Jus‘T’Learn
Welcome to Just Learn Independent School which runs as a specialist Alternative Provision for young people aged 11 to 16. We work in partnership with local schools, local authorities and the wider community to deliver this service for the many learners that are in need of our specialist support.
Community interaction is pivotal to the success of our story so far. We aim to continue this ethos in all our future strategies to support you and your learners.
Here at Just Learn, we have a team of highly motivated and dedicated staff whom are committed to the academic and social development of our learners.
At Just Learn, we take pride in the content we deliver to our learners and the service we aim to provide. By having a wealth of outstanding tutors and a positive, stimulating environment, we are able to ensure that the guidance and support we offer our learners is of the highest quality.
Shaila Osman
Head of School
Our Background
Just Learn is an Independent School for students aged between 11 to 16. We are an alternative provision provider facilitating a curriculum to learners who are not in mainstream education, have got special education needs, need a smaller more nurturing setting or have been in receipt of an EHCP. We operate on several sites; one dedicated to educating girls, one that is a pupil referral unit and one for pupils who speak English as an additional language. Our provision accommodates predominantly learners within various London Boroughs.
We provide education for:
learners who are on respite from mainstream schools and other alternative provisions, Key stage 3 learners requiring a nurturing programme, girls only at a separate site for learners requiring a nurturing environment and education for EAL learners at a satellite site.
Pupils arrive to Just Learn having experienced disjointed education and often with a lack of indicative data. Benchmarking of all pupils on entry to the school through GL assessments and baseline testing gives an indication of students starting points. Just Learn has identified gaps in students learning and prior attainment to be significantly low. Individual pupil progress, relative to that starting point, is monitored and evaluated constantly. Severe gaps in learning and emotional literacy are addressed through individualised learning programmes.
Just Learn Independent School is committed to supporting learners in “building the pathway to their future.”
Our Aim
Our aim is to actively work towards student reintegration into mainstream school or reintegration into their next appropriate step. The objective of our interventions is to move the student to a level, socially, emotionally and educationally, where they are better placed to achieve academically. We provide opportunities for pupils to follow accredited courses including GCSEs, Functional Skills, AQA Awards and the Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme.
Our Vision
Our vision and strategic direction of education focus on a holistic approach to learning which is broader than examination results and targets as well as recognises the provisions’ role in developing responsible citizens and an effective workforce. This includes personalised learning: Pupil Passports, Personal Development Plans and Individual Learning Plans, supported by Care Plans. Pupils receive bespoke support and guidance to meet their very often complex needs. All students are allocated a key worker who is available to discuss their various social, emotional and academic options. Each term, there is a review date set for each learner. We are working towards a policy of no exclusions through using the tools of conflict resolution and rewarding learning by building relationships based on high expectations and choice.
The learning experience of all our pupils focuses on supporting them to achieve more, through integrated educational pathways. As well as developing curriculum-based skills; young people will be encouraged to celebrate their own progress with acquiring skills such as listening and sharing ideas through discussion. Our curriculum is supplemented by a wide range of specialist workshops, events and trips.
Our Ethos
Our school has an inclusive ethos that supports the learning and wellbeing of all pupils. We provide a restorative experience of education within a structured and safe environment. Teaching staff and teaching assistants’ model positive relationships and there is an emphasis on the development of language and communication skills and a focus on social and emotional behaviour.
Some students have an increased risk of abuse, and additional barriers can exist for some students with respect to recognising or disclosing it. We are committed to anti-discriminatory practice and recognise students diverse circumstances. We ensure that all students have the same protection, regardless of any barriers they may face, preventing the impairment of students mental health and physical health. We strive to ensure that students grow up in the circumstances and environment consistent with the provision of working together to safeguard children in education.
We reward learning by building relationships based on high expectations and choice.
Overall, the school is designed to support learners to want to achieve and do well. The school environment focuses on pupils’ achievements and not only their academic skills but also their social, moral and cultural development to understand and prosper within society.
Timing of the School Day
Monday – Friday 9:15am – 3:00pm
Break Time: 11:10am – 11:30am
Lunch Time: 12:30pm – 1:10pm
Registration: 9:15am – 9.30am
| Lesson Timetable Monday – Friday | Starting time | Ending Time |
| Lesson 1 | 9:30 am | 10.20 am |
| Lesson 2 | 10.20 am | 11.10 am |
| Break time | 11:10am | 11:30am |
| Lesson 3 | 11.30 am | 12.30 pm |
| Lunch Break | 12:30 pm | 1:10 pm |
| Lesson 4 | 1.10 pm | 2.10 pm |
| Lesson 5 | 2:10 pm | 3:00 pm |
Board of Trustees Statement
Just Learn Independent School wishes to ensure that it has a robust governance structure and has instilled a Board of Trustees supported by SLT Members and Independent Personnel to support the running of the school.
Chair: Mr Munier Jussab
Internal Trustees:
- Sandy Waugh (Educational Consultant)
- Shaila Osman (Head of School / DSL)
- Zarah Jussab-Gadatara (CEO)
- Samantha Mackenzie (Deputy Head of School)
- Faheem Jan (EAL Manager / Exams Officer)
- Charlene Clotworthy (SENCO)
- Monique Beckford (Main Site Manager)
Independent Trustees:
- John Wylie
- Mudassar Malik
Attendance
- Pupils must arrive in school by 09:15 on each school day.
- The register for the first session will be taken at 09:30 and will be kept open until 10:30.
- The register for the second session will be taken at 13:10 and will be kept open until 14:00.
Unplanned Absence
The pupil’s parent/carer must notify the school on the first day of an unplanned absence by 10:00 or as soon as practically possible.
We will mark absence due to illness as authorised unless the school has a genuine concern about the authenticity of the illness. If the authenticity of the illness is in doubt, the school may ask the pupil’s parent/carer to provide medical evidence, such as a doctor’s note, prescription, appointment card or other appropriate form of evidence. We will not ask for medical evidence unnecessarily. If the school is not satisfied about the authenticity of the illness, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised and parents/carers will be notified of this in advance.
Planned Absence
Attending a medical or dental appointment will be counted as authorised as long as the pupil’s parent/carer notifies the school in advance of the appointment. Evidence such as a letter or appointment is required to be provided.
However, we encourage parents/carers to make medical and dental appointments out of school hours where possible. Where this is not possible, the pupil should be out of school for the minimum amount of time necessary.
The pupil’s parent/carer must also apply for other types of term-time absence as far in advance as possible of the requested absence. Go to section 5 to find out which term-time absences the school can authorise.
Lateness & Punctuality
A pupil who arrives late
- Before the register has closed will be marked as late, using the appropriate code.
- After the register has closed will be marked as absent, using the appropriate code.
Following up absence
Where any child we expect to attend school does not attend, or stops attending, the school will
- Follow up on their absence with their parent/carer to ascertain the reason, by contacting the parent on a daily basis.
- Ensure proper safeguarding action is taken where necessary
- Identify whether the absence is approved or not
- Identify the correct attendance code to use
If your child is absent from Just Learn please contact the school on 020 8648 9662 to inform us of his/her absence.
Parents/Carer contacting students during the school day
Should you have an emergency at home or need to give your child an important message, please contact the Main School Office on the telephone number 020 8648 9662. We ask parents/carers not to contact their child directly or via text or mobile phone. (Please refer to section regarding Mobile Phones, ipods etc.)
Uniforms
All students who attend Just Learn are expected to wear the Just Learn school uniform.
The Just Learn uniform is as follows:
- Black jumper with the Just Learn logo.
- Plain black full-length trousers/knee length skirt/plain black jogging bottoms
- A white polo shirt with the Just Learn logo.
- Black shoes or black trainers
- During P.E students are permitted to wear only sportswear (no jeans).
NOT Acceptable:
- Shorts of any type, shorts worn with tight or leggings, jumpsuits, miniskirts and very low- waist trousers, cut-off jeans and calf length trousers.
- Low cut tops and all types of vest tops.
- Wearing of any non-religious headwear/hats/caps/scarves/hoods in the building.
- Footwear; No sling- backs or flip- flops.
- No type of hooded tops.
Students who do not come to school in their uniform will be sent home to get changed and receive an unauthorised absence. Uniforms can be purchased at the school office.
Bicycles
Bicycles are brought onto the site at the risk of the owner. Bicycles should be chained and locked by the student during school time. This is the responsibility of the student.
Bicycles should remain chained for the whole day, unless the student is following an individual time-table. Bicycles that are used during lesson and break times will be confiscated and held on the school premises until a responsible adult is able to collect it.
If a bicycle is damaged or stolen Just Learn will accept no responsibility.
Smoking
The London Borough Merton is a no smoking authority. Students are not allowed to smoke anywhere on the school Site. This includes vapes. Students are also not allowed to smoke whilst participating in off-site visits. Any students caught will have their smoking equipment confiscated and be given a warning. If they are caught for a second time, equipment will be confiscated and they will receive a two-day fixed term exclusion from the school.
Valuables
Just Learn does not encourage valuables to be brought into the school. Just Learn will not accept any responsibility for theft or damage of any valuables brought to the school. Students should not expect valuables, coats, bags etc. to be left in the reception office.
School Breaks / Lunch
All students are expected to stay on site at breaktime/lunchtime.
Students can bring a packed lunch or they can order a school dinner. The cost of a school dinner is currently £2.65 per dinner. If a student is entitled to a free school meal, we will have been notified and we then arrange for school dinners. Further information regarding these dinners and menus can be obtained from the Main Office.
Students who choose to leave school site without permission will be recorded as post registration truancy
Jewellery
Jewellery should be kept to a minimum. Earrings should be studs or small hoops. Large earrings are not acceptable, as they pose a health and safety risk. Should a student persist in wearing unsuitable/unsafe jewellery it will be confiscated and placed into the safe for collection by a family member/carer.
Mobile Phones, Smart watches, Airpods, iPod, IPad MP3 Player, etc.
Just Learn will not accept any responsibility for theft or damage of/to the above equipment.
Mobile Phones, Smart watches, Airpods, iPod, IPad MP3 Player, etc. are not to be used during school hours. All devices should be given into reception at the beginning of the day. Devices will be returned back at the end of the school day. Should the student choose not to comply with this request it will be confiscated and placed in the school safe to be returned on the next school day. Parents/Carers will be notified. Should a student refuse to comply with the above then appropriate sanctions will be taken according to Just Learn’s Learning/ behaviour policy.
Should there be persistent abuse of our mobile phone and electrical equipment policy, the students’ property will be confiscated for one week and handed to the appropriate parent/carer.
In some circumstances, it may be reasonable for a member of staff to ask a student to reveal a text message for the purpose of establishing whether cyber bullying has occurred.
Detention
Detention is a sanction used by Just Learn at the end of the school day, at break time, lunch time or at the end of the student’s day, should they be following an Individual Time Table. Detention will be used should a student choose not to complete the work set during the course of the school day; be involved in an investigation of an incident; assisting staff in preparation tasks which do not raise any health and safety issues; child protection issues; assisting staff to prepare work or classroom display etc. Parents/Carers will be contacted on the day of the detention giving the reason and the duration of the detention.
Detention will also be given if a student is late without a reason or a call from parents in the mornings or if they arrive late after lunch.
Confiscation (including retention and disposal) of inappropriate items
Confiscation (including retention and disposal) of inappropriate items may be necessary in maintaining an environment conducive to learning which safeguards the rights of other students to be educated.
This includes items that:
- Pose a threat to the good order for learning such as mobile phone, ipods, MP3 players cigarettes, lighters, matches, vapes and any other electrical devices.
- Pose a threat to others e.g., a laser pen being used to distract students and possibly harm other students and staff.
- are against school dress code rules such as a refusal to remove inappropriate headwear.
- Poses a health and safety threat such as large earrings, large ornate rings etc.
- Any item that can be used as an offensive weapon
- Are counter to the ethos of Just Learn such as materials which might cause tension between one community and another.
- Are illegal for a student to have such as racist or pornographic material.
Most confiscated items will be returned to the student directly or to a family member/carer. There may be occasions however when items will not be returned to the student and will be disposed by Just Learn. For example: an unlawful or hazardous substance; alcohol, etc.
Searching Students
The provision in the Violent Reduction Act 2006, inserted in the Education Act 1996, makes it lawful for designated school staff to search suspected students.
The member of staff searching the student will be the same sex as the student. The only time that a student may be searched by a member of staff who is the opposite sex, is when the member of staff believes that there is a risk that serious harm will be caused to a person if they do not conduct the search immediately and where it is not reasonably practicable to summon another member of staff.
If the student has given consent the designated staff member can search for any item.
If the student has not given consent they can be still searched for the following:
- Knives or weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs and stolen items
- Tobacco and cigarette papers, fireworks and pornographic images
- Any article that the member of staff reasonably suspects has been, or is likely to be, used to commit an offence, or to cause personal injury to, or damage to property.
Students may also be asked to turn out their pockets or hand over an item that is causing disruption. Just Learn might use its legal power to discipline if the student unreasonably refuses to co-operate.
Searches without consent can only be carried out on the school premises or if elsewhere, where the member of staff has lawful control or charge of the pupil, for example on school trips in England or in training settings.
CCTV footage may be used to decide as to whether a search may be conducted.
Members of staff can use such force as is reasonable given the circumstances when conducting a search for knifes or weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, stolen items, tobacco and cigarette papers, fireworks, pornographic images or articles that have been or could be used to commit an offence or cause harm.
Screening Students
Students may be asked to undergo screening by a walk through or hand-held metal detector even if they do not suspect them of a having a weapon without consent. Any member of school staff can screen students.
If a student refuses to be screened, the school may refuse to have the student on the premises. Health and safety legislation requires the school to be managed in a way which does not expose students or staff to risks to their health and safety and this would include making reasonable rules as a condition of admittance.
Involvement with the Police
Any student causing damage to Just Learn property will be considered to be causing criminal damage and may be reported to the Police. Police involvement will also be considered if a student assaults a member of staff or another student or if it is felt necessary to search a student for e.g., illegal drugs, stolen property etc.
Any deliberate damage to property will be treated as criminal damage. This could result in the student(s) being charged with Criminal Damage. Any student involved could also be asked to meet with Just Learn’s Management Team and explain their actions. The consequences of this could be that their placement at Just Learn is terminated.
If a Parent/Carer verbally or in writing agrees to pay for the damage caused by their Child then further action may not be considered by the school. If, however, an agreement (verbal or written) to pay has not been met by the Parent/Carer the school will follow civil action which may include the use of a debt collection agency to recover funds.
Behaviour
At Just Learn we aim to instil in the students a sense of right and wrong. For the social development of the students, it is essential that they learn to work in harmony with one another, have respect for one another, of or their teachers and the environment in which they work in. Just Learn recognises the importance of positive and effective behaviour management strategies in promoting students’ welfare, learning and enjoyment.
All the members of staff encourage good/positive behaviour, manners and morals by setting a good example themselves. We reward good behaviour through praising students by using a reward system. Inappropriate behaviour, such as fighting, swearing, being rude, damaging school property will not be tolerated, the students will be told why their behaviour is unacceptable. Any sanctions applied, such as isolation or detention, will depend upon the severity of the incident or behaviour issue.
Summarised Behaviour Policy
Just Learn is committed to providing an effective learning environment that aims to:
- Maximise every learning opportunity and minimise unwanted behaviour, in order to enable students to become effective learners
- Acknowledge sustained and improved personal/academic achievement
- Promote self-reflection and individual responsibility.
- Reward individual effort produced over and above Just Learn ethos – for example; through the use of appropriate praise, effective learning stickers, work on display, educational trips connected to the curriculum
Jus‘T’Learn’s behaviour policy is discussed on admission and communicates clear learning behaviour guidelines to all pupils and parents/guardians.
In order for this to happen the rights of staff, visitors and students are acknowledged these are:
- to be listened to
- to be treated with respect
- to be treated fairly and consistently
- to work and learn without unnecessary interruption
- to feel supported
Students who attend Just Learn will all have emotional, social or medical needs. A core function of Just Learn is to reduce the impact of a situation on the student’s emotional, social and educational vulnerability to enable each student to learn strategies in order that they can move on.
This will be achieved by:
- Working with the student, families, other statutory and voluntary agencies, through their planning and review mechanisms and the pupils own IEP and reintegration reviews
- Providing a curriculum which includes the teaching of effective learning behaviours, life skills and emotional intelligence
Bullying, racism or sexism of any kind is totally unacceptable, will not be tolerated and action will be taken.
Touching & Holding
Touch between staff and students can provide encouragement or reassurance. It can signify warmth or friendliness.
These guidelines do not prohibit this form of contact. Staff will use their own judgement to avoid sensitive situations and will encourage students to develop an awareness of appropriate adult/student contact.
Physical Restraint
In law, staff may be justified in using physical intervention only when there is a risk of danger to the student or him or herself, there is a danger to other students or adults or there is danger to property.
We wish, as a school, to use physical intervention on as few occasions as possible.
Physical restraint will be reported to parents as soon as possible.
Physical Containment
In some circumstances where students have no intention of listening to an adult authority, it may reduce the risk of further incidents, if the student can be kept in one place with an adult. Under no circumstances would a student be left locked in a room alone.
To ensure that consistent practice is in place and maintained this policy will be evaluated and reviewed on a regular basis
In cases where there are incidents where a student needs to be physically restrained/contained, members of staff who have undergone the Team – Teach Training Course may use the appropriate techniques to restrain the student to contain the situation.
Charging Policy
All education during school hours is free. We do not charge for activities undertaken as part of the National Curriculum. We could however on occasion ask for a contribution towards an extra-curricular activity.
If a Parent/Carers wishes their child to take part in an event but is unable to contribute, we do allow the student to participate in the activity. Parents/Carers have a right to know how each activity is funded. Just Learn provides this information on request.
Your child may be entered for exams whilst attending with us. You will be notified of exam dates in advance by letter. Should your child fail to attend scheduled exam without evidence in writing of a valid reason you may incur a charge for the exam fees.
The Curriculum
KS3 Provision & All Girls group KS3 & KS4
Both provisions at Just Learn Independent School is a means of supporting mainstream schools that have identified the need for additional intervention for students who require additional support outside a mainstream environment.
This provision is the only all girl’s intervention in the London Borough of Merton
The aim of both these provisions/interventions are to provide a restorative experience of education within a structured and safe environment, adopting a “nurture” style of education. The objectives of these provision’s aim:
- To actively work towards student reintegration into their mainstream school or reintegration into their next appropriate step
- To move pupils to a level, socially, emotionally, where they are better placed to achieve academically
- The learning experience focuses on supporting them to achieve more, through integrated educational pathways promoting trust, communication skills enabling young people to grow in confidence and self-esteem
EAL Satellite Group
We have developed our curriculum for young people who are new arrivals to the UK in year 11 with limited English with care, considering their life experiences and needs.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a platform for their next steps. English and Mathematics is of the highest priority. The learning programs are academic, vocational, flexible and personalised, meeting the needs of individual students.
Intent
Mission
to provide individual educational and social pathways that support young people to build a positive pathway to their future.
Vision
We want the pupils of Just Learn to…
- Achieve 5 GCSE qualifications or equivalent
- Leave with a recognised qualification in English and Mathematics
- Develop positive relationships with staff and other pupils
- Develop independence and self-confidence
- Progress successfully to their choice of further education, employments or training
- Become a productive member of society, participating and contributing
We will do this by
providing a broad, balanced, tailored and suitably challenging curriculum which adapts to meet the needs of each pupil
Implementation
Across all our sites the curriculum is implemented and delivered through the ‘Just Learn Way’. This embodies high quality teaching and is supported by strategies that are strongly evidence based. Practice is shaped by 5 specific approaches,
- Explicit teaching
- Cognitive learning strategies
- Scaffolding
- Flexible grouping
- Using technology
Our staff continually develop a repertoire of strategies which they can use daily and flexibly in response to individual needs. The focus is on improving the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom and ensuring that pupils are full members of the school community who have a positive experience.
All students are assessed on entry to the school through GL assessments (NGRT, NGST, CAT4) and ESOL placement tests for those attending the ESOL site.
The teaching and exploration of life skills is embedded within the curriculum and is taught explicitly through our PHSE programme.
Our curriculum is designed to build pupils confidence to learn, to stretch and challenge providing pupils with the mainstream skills they are likely to need in the wider world by,
- Removing barriers to learning
- Enabling students to have the best chance of a successful transition to education, employment or training.
- Offering personalised pathways for students
| Core curriculum | English Language | Mathematics | Biology | Chemistry | Business Studies | ICT |
| Embedded in and across both our key stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Curriculum is CEIAG and PHSE and RSE. We use this to explore… | ||||||
| PHSE/RSE | Health and Wellbeing | Relationships | Living in the Wider World | |||
| Self-concept | Positive relationships | Choices and Pathways | ||||
| Mental health and Emotional Wellbeing | Relationship values | Work and career | ||||
| Healthy Lifestyles | Forming and maintaining respectful relationships | Employment rights and responsibilities | ||||
| Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco | Conception and parenthood | Financial choices | ||||
| Managing risks and Personal Safety | Bullying, abuse, and discrimination | Media literacy and digital resilience | ||||
| Puberty, Sexual health, and fertility | Social influences | |||||
| CEAIG | Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme on Careers Planning | |||||
| Just Learn delivers education across a number of sites. Each site offers a personalised pathway for the pupils in our care. This enables Just Learn to meet the needs of all its pupils in the most appropriate way. | ||||||
| Pathway | Main | Girls | ESOL | |||
| Key Stage | KS3 & KS4 | KS3 and KS4 | KS4 | |||
| Interventions | Just Learn’s specialist team has the skills and capacity to deliver a number of targeted interventions to students within the school. The intervention programme is led by our SENDCo. The interventions chosen are evidence-based to provide the most impact on student progress and development. They are delivered by specially trained staff (ELSA) or are supported by external specialists (e.g., SALT) and are purposefully used to develop skills, fill gaps, and support learning. | |||||
Impact
| Impacts on | How? | What? |
| Standards and achievement | Gaps in achievement are identified and acted upon. Identify best practice in teaching, learning, and assessment to ensure the best curriculum impact. | Pupils receive targeted intervention and support. Pupils achieve 5 GCSEs or equivalent. |
| Personal development | Student learning journals. Student mentoring sessions. Students’ one-on-one meetings with key workers. Students’ academic review day meetings. | Pupils develop their social skills. Pupils make positive relationships. Pupils can respond to the needs of others. Pupils increase their confidence and can talk about their strengths. Pupils increase their independence. |
| The ability and confidence of students to make positive choices about the future | Class teaching, small group, and personalized sessions led or supervised by a qualified and experienced CEIAG lead (Level 7). | CEIAG and PHSE lessons ensure that pupils know how to reflect on themselves. They are making choices and plans for the future. |
| Progress | Interventions have the necessary impact to improve pupil progress. They are varied and meet the needs of students. | Pupils achieve through assessment data. |
| Cultural Capital | The ‘disadvantage gap’ is reduced through increasing the cultural capital of pupils. A broad curriculum and opportunities such as visits and language exploration, and explicit use of disciplinary literacy provide a foundation on which to build. | Cultural capital is increased through knowledge gained about the wider world, significant events and people, and associated vocabulary. |