Bradford Alternative Provision Academy (BAPA) takes referrals for secondary aged young people who live in Bradford and have been permanently excluded from school. BAPA comprises of two sites, Aireview in Saltaire and Jesse Street at Fairweather Green, off Thornton Road. The two sites work closely together to offer the best service for young people, families and schools. In addition, a number of students access provision away from our sites at other alternative provision (AP) settings. These include Bradford and Keighley colleges and a number of smaller providers.
Places are commissioned by the Local Authority (LA) to deliver sixth day provision for permanently excluded young people. Pupils that attend BAPA will be given an offer that best meets need. The offers include:
Short-term ‘turnaround placements’ that last for an average eight to twelve-weeks. Within these placements, work is carried out to address attitudes and behaviours that may act as a barrier to a successful return to school. In addition, the young people take part in English, maths and reading every day to help them to close any gaps in learning etc.
Medium-term ‘assessment placements’ that last for approximately twenty to thirty weeks. If it is felt a young person requires further assessment, to better understand their needs, an application for assessment for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be made. The curriculum for this cohort has a strong focus on English, maths and reading and supports the young people to develop social skills and experiences that will support them to be successful in society.
Long-term placements that last until the end of young person’s compulsory school age. Through liaison with the young person and the family, provision is sought to engage the young person and provide them with skills and qualifications that support them to move onto further education or employment. Provision for this cohort is much more bespoke and will often involve a placement in an AP setting.
BAPA is committed to providing a safe, caring and stimulating environment for all pupils. This allows our young people to re-engage with learning and either return to mainstream schooling or successfully move to a more specialist setting. During this time, the learning needs of each individual pupil are accurately assessed to support personalisation of learning. A structured curriculum is delivered through high quality teaching, with specific attention being given to the social, emotional and mental health needs of learners and any underlying special needs.
In real terms, BAPA offers pupils a fresh start in a new environment, away from the influence of peers and experiences that have previously impacted on their ability to succeed. BAPA creates a highly structured and calm environment where highly skilled staff have a unified child centred approach that sets high standards and constantly works towards achieving them.
Positive relationships with outside agencies also support individuals moving forward. A Safer Schools Police Officer is attached to BAPA along with other organisations that support the curriculum and carry out targeted intervention with individuals where necessary..
