In-School Alternative Provision: Stable Core, Disruptive Edge — Dan Conley

Co-op Academies Trust employs an "Asset-Based Approach to In-School AP (ISAP)" to support students facing learning and SEMH challenges. Their provisions, which currently serve 253 students, operate a 'Stable Core' framework with a 'Disruptive Edge' of innovative support. With clear guidelines around student eligibility, referrals and impact assessment in place, creative solutions flourish across the many diverse settings for students with a range of backgrounds and needs. An 'Asset Directory' then provides staff with a central means of celebrating and sharing success, leading to demonstrable impact on young lives.

About the speaker:

Dan Conley is the Director of In-School Alternative Provision (ISAP) at the Co-op Multi Academy Trust, working with 10 ISAPs across the North of England. Previously Head of Psychology, he established his first ISAP in 2013 which quickly achieved Flagship status with the Inclusion Quality Mark. He later founded an offsite, school-run AP for a confederacy of Cheshire schools centred on attachment principles and expeditionary learning. Subsequently a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE), Dan’s remit has ranged from AP to behaviour policy, mental health to student outcomes. His recently launched Smart Learning School initiative aims to improve learner metacognition, address test anxiety and equip students with effective study techniques.