Our backstory

Four years ago we started on our journey to build an 'alternative' AP on the west side of Haringey borough. Our vision was to build a student - centred provision focused on delivering engaging and accessible education, using the expertise of our enthusiastic staff, our local community and London as an educational resource. We are fortunate to be based, with excellent transport links, in a borough perched on the edge of one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world. We wanted to use our capital city as a starting point to help our young people to understand abstract concepts taught in a class and apply them to real life situations. We hoped to build strong partnerships with businesses and our local community to motivate our young people to develop self-belief and the skills necessary to tackle their current academic and social challenges and become lifelong learners, facing their futures with understanding and confidence. Our goal is to support students in their current situations and to create relevant learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom — that help them to develop the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and character necessary to overcome their challenges and succeed in mainstream schools and beyond building memories for their future life.

Looking for Premises

It took us nearly 3 years to secure a viable premise to place our AP, but we never gave up, and would like to thank our local community for offering spaces and their help to find a unique space which would fit what is an evolving and exciting Alternative Provision on the west side of Haringey. Finally, after many setbacks - including Covid - we took the decision to start our AP in an independent annexe on the premises of our main school - Fortismere. We were very fortunate to have a stand-alone building which has had many uses over the years, including a Haringey Alternative Provision and a School for the Deaf. Now it is Finches (Fortismere Inclusive Hub) home. We externally updated the building as can be seen in the photographs, and internally we have 4 classrooms and a large communal area called the Zone.

In September 2021 Finch piloted a KS3 programme with Fortismere students based around supporting KS3 students who find school challenging.

In January 2022 we opened to neighbouring schools offering a KS3 programme. September 2023 we have slightly amended and expanded our offer to include:

Yr 7 -11 The Breathing Space Programme for students who found school challenging this could be exhibited in school avoidance or challenging behaviour in school.

Yr 10/11 KS4 programme, offering a slimmer curriculum consisting of 4/5 GCSEs and focusing on Work Skills and self development.

^{Our much loved old mansion on Tetherdown Road is to become Finches first home.}

Purpose

Our provision is student-centred focused on delivering engaging and accessible education. Our team is committed to our students, our communities, and each other in an environment dedicated to making a positive impact to all individuals: academically, socially, and emotionally. Students develop self belief and the skills necessary to tackle their current academic and social challenges and become lifelong learners, facing their futures with understanding and confidence. This is achieved in partnership with families and our local and wider communities. Our goal is to support students in their current situations and to create relevant learning opportunities— both inside and outside the classroom, that help them to develop the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and character necessary to overcome their challenges and succeed in mainstream schools and beyond.