Moving from Mainstream to Alternative Provision

[CognitiveDissonance]

Hi All,

I'm an experienced teacher 10 years into the profession. I don't want to leave yet but I'm certainly not enjoying it as much as I once was and for quite some time I've wanted to move in to Alternative Provision. I'm a pastoral leader so used to challenge in that respect.
If you've made a similar move, how did you go about it? Was it as simple as applying for jobs in those schools? I'm struggling to find anything. Lots of SEND posts in my general vicinity specialising in particular needs such as Autism or Visual Impairment but I'm yet to come across posts for SEMH provisions. Is it better to go though an agency or LA?

I was head hunted. Had my cv on LinkedIn and a couple of the broadsheet sites.

It was best decision I made. Sadly due to the distance I have changed profession since having a child.

Thanks @SoloMummy , thats helpful as I was thinking of giving my profile a spruce
Do you mind expanding on why it was the best decision? I'd love to hear some first hand experiences

My personal recommendation would be to look for a job in AP/ SEMH Special rather then a PRU. Somewhere where the kids are in permanent placements rather than just 'passing through' before being shoehorned back into mainstream.

Unless you plan to move, the best bet is probably just to identify all of the AP/ SEMH settings in your area and keep an eye on their websites for vacancies. It wouldn't hurt to send 'I'm looking' letters.

I work in SEMH/ HFA and love it- I wouldn't work in mainstream for all the tea in China.

I'd love to hear some first hand experiences

Best case scenario is an extremely strong team of very supportive, knowledgeable adults, all of whom have chosen to be there, and even on the worst days wouldn't want to be anywhere else. None of the eye-rolling when Johnny kicks off again- because sorting Johnny out with other ways to communicate is why everyone arrived that morning. The freedom to do what Johnny needs, even if it's unconventional. The understanding that it may take months and months before he can say 'I'm worried I can't do this work Miss' instead of tipping his table over- but total commitment to getting him there. The joy in the staffroom the first time Johnny just storms out of the classroom- without tipping every table he passes!

The best schools are calm, happy, ordered places where kindness, nurture, flexibility and high expectations can and do co-exist.

I'm sure there's hellish AP too- but I've been lucky and worked in some amazing settings.

I moved to a more secure setting and it was honestly the best decision as I finally felt as though every child truly mattered and they ALL received the necessary support.

PRUs can be challenging and often face funding issues. BUT getting a foot into any door is better than none IMO.

Good luck.

I did, after nearly 20 years in mainstream. I saw a job and applied for it. However, I found the job on a council vacancies website, not TES.

On Twitter, look for PRUsAP. They have a website with vacancies.

I love it.

PRUsAP

Thank you all so much I really appreciate your replies. I'm glad it's was a positive move for you all, I hope I have the same experience

I’m an NQT in an SEMH/ASD school. It’s great! I love the flexibility we have with the students to do what is best for them. If we need to go out and kick a ball around as the lesson is getting a bit too much we will.

I'm a TA in an SEMH/ASD school. I absolutely love it. Basically everything that @reefedsail said.
We have a full time SALT, who is incredible and an OT who is returning after a break in a couple of months
I got the role as I was supporting a child I worked with privately in their transition into the school. The head approached me and asked me to apply. However, they do regularly advertise on sites like Indeed.
My school is privately owned as part of a much larger international company but the children's spaces are paid for using the money from their LEA funding (we have children from multiple LEAs in our school).
Generally in schools like mine you find a strong, supportive team of people. There is an understanding of bedding to have each others backs and celebrating those seemingly tiny milestones. Because they are far from tiny.

It is brutal, exhausting and incredibly rewarding.