ALTERNATIVE 'outstanding' provision in Bolton ensures children who are permanently excluded from school or at risk of exclusion are able to "thrive".

Bolton Impact Trust works closely with Bolton Council to ensure those children receive the support they need to continue their education in a setting which suits their needs.

READ MORE: SPECIAL REPORT: Record numbers of children being thrown out of school for violent behaviour

READ MORE: SPECIAL REPORT: 'Broken society' impacting on children's wellbeing

The trust runs a number of pupil referral units across Bolton for children who may not be able to settle in a mainstream school environment for whatever reason. Not all the children who attend the specialist schools have been excluded from school.

Paul Hodgkinson, executive principal of Bolton Impact Trust, said: "The trust provides support to those at risk of exclusion within mainstream schools as well as those who have been excluded from school.

" We deliver a package suitable to their needs so they can continue their education in or return to mainstream school.

"For those children who may not be able to return to mainstream school because they require a more specialist setting, a smaller environment, they continue their education with us.

"We have had a 100 per cent success rate in young people continuing their education and securing employment."

Some children who are supported by Bolton Impact Trust have had to deal with difficult issues and the trust works to address any issues pupils may have through a tailored package, which could include behaviour support help with mental health and help to locate their strengths, which are sometimes in sports or vocational courses.

The assessment helps to create a pathway suitable for them to carry on their education.

So much so an Ofsted inspection at one of its centres found that people who did not achieve the results they were capable of in mainstream school are now blossoming in and that they enjoyed learning.

A number of centres run by Bolton Impact Trust have been rated outstanding, with the provision attracting attention from local authorities across the country.

"We provide high quality provision which children require. When children arrive we provide a holistic approach for them to help them thrive, which has been recognised in our outstanding judgements.

"This is due to a partnership approach with Bolton Council," said Mr Hodgkinson.