Joint statement from East Sussex County Council and London South East Academies Trust

East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) are pleased to confirm our continued commitment to working together to support children and young people across East Sussex.

Over the past two years, our partnership has supported the establishment and development of East Sussex Academy and its new alternative provision sites in Newhaven, Hailsham and Hastings, providing important educational opportunities for some of the county’s most vulnerable young people.

As new arrangements have become established, there have been some differences in understanding around aspects of home-to-school transport, particularly in relation to the operation of individual pupil timetables and transport requirements. Both ESCC and LSEAT recognise that these arose as the new provision and associated arrangements were being established and are pleased that these matters have now been resolved through constructive discussion and a shared commitment to finding a way forward.

Both organisations recognise that successful alternative provision relies upon strong partnership working across education, transport and wider services. We will continue to work openly and collaboratively, building on the learning and successes of the first year of the new provision.

Our shared ambition remains to ensure that children and young people in East Sussex who need alternative provision receive the right education and support to re-engage with learning, make progress and prepare successfully for their next steps.