About us
In 2019, BUSY established its first alternative school in rural Australia. Over five years, the school’s positive outcomes have enabled BUSY to expand to nine schools, delivering meaningful impact to thousands of disadvantaged children and young people. Having firmly established as a trusted service provider in Australia, we have recently expanded our operations to the UK. This includes a dedicated offer of academic, social and physical support to children and young people struggling with mainstream school.
How to access
We undertake active engagement with schools and councils to identify organisations in need. To access via direct referral, please email either:
- John Welch – Director of Education (john.welch@thebusygroup.org.uk)
- Martin Clark – Sport & Community Development Officer (martyn.wallsendboysclub@gmail.com)
How we deliver
We support children from ages 14-18 across Key Stage 4 and 5. Delivery is face-to-face and takes place on our Wallsend premises. Each child will receive 1:1 mentoring and coaching from a Wellbeing & Employment Adviser supported by access to dedicated teachers and wider health and wellbeing staff (e.g. accredited therapists, alternative provision experts, sport coaches from Sporting Wallsend).
We support children and young people across all three tiers of the framework, offering placements for those at risk of exclusion, those who have been permanently excluded, and those needing assistance to transition into their next stage of education.
How we report attendance
A digital register is taken by 10am. This is sent to either the child or young person’s mainstream school (if still attending), or relevant family/professionals (if permanently excluded/post-16). Follow up support is given to improve attendance if required
Our key contacts
- John Welch (Education Director) – john.welch@thebusygroup.org.uk
- Martyn Clark - martin.clark@thebusygroup.org.uk