New South Shields education provider looks to support youngsters who struggle in school environments
The Mayor of South Tyneside has officially opened a new education provider in South Shields.
A new type of education provider has officially opened its doors in South Shields at a ribbon cutting by the Mayor of South Tyneside, Cllr Stan Wildhirt.
SBA Alternative Education Provision now works from King Street, opposite JD Sports, where it offers fresh, practical and supportive routes back into education for young people aged 11 to 16 who might struggle in traditional school environments.
The event was to show young people and their parents what SBA can do for them. It was a great success.
The organisation delivers a vocational, hands‑on curriculum built around a fully equipped hair and beauty training salon.
Maths and English are taught according to each learner’s individual ability to build progress, confidence and self‑esteem. Learners also develop employability and communication skills, enterprise and business awareness and PHSE (personal, social, health and economic) education.
The salon is used solely for educational purposes. There is no commercial activity, ensuring a “safe, calm and structured environment”. SBA works with small groups of learners, with a ratio of three staff to eight students, allowing personalised support and close attention to each young person’.
The team is made up of staff who have worked in similar roles, giving them an understanding of the anxiety and other barriers young people sometimes face. Staff follow clear strategies and supportive approaches to help learners regulate, engage and achieve positive outcomes.
Learners can attend up to 15 hours of education per week, with timetables tailored to individual circumstances.
SBA wants to be actively involved in community work across South Tyneside, with learners taking part in local projects as part of their education.
It is led by Sarah Barratt‑Atkin, an experienced teacher and businesswoman, with long experience supporting disengaged learners and those furthest from education.
Sarah said: “This approach helps young people build pride, responsibility and a sense of belonging, while giving back to the community they live in.”
She added: “The mayor and mayoress came down with a number of councillors and we had an open event where children came down with their parents and carers.
“It was just really to have a look around and see what we have to offer, and for the mayor to support us.”