What Our Parents and Carers Say

Below are statements made by the parents and carers of the pupils who attend RAP.

“RAP offers a bespoke package for the children that other provisions have not been able to give and that is why they have failed. The system needs places like RAP to fill the gaps that the other provisions cannot. Through the bespoke package RAP is able to provide the children with what they need. The staff at RAP go above and beyond. RAP works with the children and supports them through their previous traumas. RAP helps the children overcome their traumas which they have experienced at other settings, which then helps the children feel comfortable, relax and then engage in learning activities such as functional skills. RAP is a more of an educational alternative provision.  The educational system needs more provisions like this to support young people who can’t have their needs met in a mainstream setting. When my son first started I was concerned it would be too focused on education as he was totally disengaged with anything “school” related at the time.  But over time and with the support of the staff he is now doing functional skills and baking!  He gets the opportunity to play basketball, and has helped with jobs around the setting.  He is listened  to, so if he is having a “bad” day he is given choices to help him regulate. Communication is very good. We receive a weekly phone call or email and end of term report. RAP works on a 1:1 with its young people and this is fantastic for those who are too anxious and struggle to be in a classroom environment. RAP are limited to the amount of children they can take. I think more funding should be available so they can extend further and give other young people the opportunity to get the education they deserve.  Also a post 16 provision would be great.  My son started in Yr11 and has come on so well but now has to move provision which he is going to be a real challenge now he has settled so well.”

“When my son started at RAP he was at rock bottom. Now he is in a much better place. They go above and beyond to get it right for every child. They never give up. They always listen to what you are telling them so they can get it right. The staff really care about our children. If he wasn’t at RAP he would probably be at home. There is nothing else out there that can bridge the gap for children who learn like my son. He is very happy at RAP. I wouldn’t move him. If I took him out of RAP I think he would be at home and spiral out of control. RAP is giving my son and the other children what they need. RAP understands how my child learns. The adults are able to teach him new things in a way that works for him. He has been on a massive journey since starting at RAP. The progress and development has been huge. RAP is giving him what he needs and has helped him understand his emotions and social interactions so much more. RAP prepares the children for society by putting them in situations and supporting them to help them understand how things work. This is preparing them so that they can function in society later. He is so much more able to cope in situations now, so much so he is now able to access some social situations outside of school.”

“We are very happy with RAP. It is amazing how far my son has got.”

“100% need to be more schools like this. There needs to be schools like this over the country. RAP is the inbetweener school. For children who aren’t for mainstream and aren’t for special needs. The school sets boundaries, that are appropriate for children like my son. I do believe that my son is learning well at school. They get taken out and they get taught life skills and that is what every child needs. It’s not a youth club. RAP is an all round school – RAP provides everything. The possibilities are endless at RAP. RAP listens and are always willing to be flexible and improvise.”

“Love it. He has changed since being at RAP. He is a lot happier, calmer, a much a happier child. Because there is less pressure, fewer people, less structured, has a chance to bond. RAP is giving the children, my child, a chance to learn and develop in their own setting and context. The children are not just allowed to do what they want, there is structure and compromise. Definitely feel that there is still a focus on learning. Learns so much from the off-site trips. Love that he learns how to cook. That is because of RAP.”

“Very happy with how it’s gone so far. Can’t fault it. If my son wasn’t here he would be at home doing nothing. The system needs more places like RAP because they are more accepting. RAP has worked around my son whereas other provisions want him to fit them. If RAP was not there these kids would have nothing they would literally just be at home”.

“We love the provision. It is bridging the gap between mainstream education and other specialist provisions that could not meet [my child’s] needs. It is having a really positive impact on [my child] as he now wants to attend school. His attitude to school has totally changed. Before he was too anxious. RAP’s approach is enabling [my child] to have access to an education that meets his complex needs.”

“I am very happy with RAP. The T/A ‘s could not be more supportive and they teach me a lot about my child’s condition. They have helped me understand more about Autism. Recently how things can affect behaviour. So thankful they have not given up on him. The RAP lead has been equally informative and helpful. All the other T/A’s are nice as well. And the receptionist has been understanding and kind as well. Overall, I am very pleased with the school and glad that they have my child. They communicate everything and explain what to expect and the way forward.”