A Teesside school helping excluded children find their feet again has won national recognition after seeing a dramatic drop in suspensions.
Progress Schools Tees Valley in Eston is one of 11 independent Progress Schools across England, supporting young people excluded from mainstream education or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Middlesbrough school has now been named winner of the Excellence in Alternative Provision category at the National Special Educational Needs and Disability Awards 2026.
Graham Lancaster, Headteacher at Progress Schools Tees Valley in Eston. (Image: Progress Schools Tees Valley)
Organised by mental-health strategy and education-training consultancy The Root Of It, the awards recognise inclusive practice for children and young people across the UK.
Judges were impressed by Progress Schools' personalised approach to learning, which focuses on the individual needs of each student rather than a traditional one-size-fits-all model.
The school's award submission highlighted how it views behaviour as a form of communication, using restorative and trauma-informed approaches instead of punitive measures.
"This shift has significantly improved engagement and reduced exclusions," it said.
"Staff consistently demonstrate high expectations balanced with care, compassion, and understanding.
"They celebrate small successes, support emotional regulation through restorative approaches, and remove practical barriers to learning, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed."
Application figures show days lost to suspensions fell from 215 in 2023-24 to just four in 2025-26.
Graham Lancaster and his team at the award ceremony. (Image: Progress Schools Tees Valley)
The proportion moving into education, employment or training also rose from 27.3 per cent in 2023-24 to 77 per cent in 2025-26.
The school credited careers guidance, work placements, tailored learning and partnerships with employers and training providers.
Staff also adapt timetables to boost engagement and reduce anxiety, using gradual reintegration, small-group teaching and regulation breaks.
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The school's curriculum combines academic subjects with vocational and project-based learning, offering opportunities including construction, equestrian studies and AQA accreditations alongside GCSEs in English, maths and science.
But most importantly, staff act as mentors and trusted adults for the students - helping to build relationships that support progress.
Headteacher Graham Lancaster said: "I'm incredibly proud of the team and everything they do, and it's brilliant to see their dedication recognised in this way."