Academy ‘succeeding’ in bid to help excluded pupils
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION put in place for children who are excluded for school or other reasons aims to ensure they can succeed.
In Calderdale, the Whitley Alternative Provision (AP) Academy at Halifax was previously known as the Calderdale Referral Unit, but its new status brings positive and practical ways in which it can ensure children who have been removed from mainstream schooling can realise their potential.
As well as children excluded from other schools it also provides education for children who need protecting, for example, and some in the council’s care.
Chief Executive Officer of the Impact Education Trust, Mick Kay, said since the academy joined the trust, “We are trying to change perceptions, that our children can, and will, achieve.
“For too long children in alternative provision have been forgotten about.
“This is not like a referral unit – this is an academy.”
Speaking to members of Calderdale Council’s Children and
Young People’s Scrutiny Board before the COVID-19 lockdown, Mr Kay said everyone – who attended the academy had a different story and the aim was to ensure they realised their potential with “one size fits all” type provision consigned to the past.
“There
are
personalised plans in place for every young person to try and transition them to what their next stage of learning might be,” he said.
Mr Kay said plans included a range of aspects such as personal development and building up pupils’ confidence.
Board Chair Coun Colin Raistrick (Ind, Hipperholme and
Lightcliffe) agreed it was the individual that was important. “Let’s have the best outcome for the child,” he said.
Board members heard since the unit at Moor Bottom Road, Holmfield, Halifax, transitioned to being an academy last autumn attendance had improved in some year groups, although this was still an area for improvement overall.
The academy’s School Improvement Plan aimed for it to be “Good” in all areas by the end of this academic year.
YOUR SAY: Comment online, on our Facebook page or @HxCourier