Foxes Academy

We have a comprehensive assessment process to determine whether Foxes Academy is a suitable placement for each learner. This also indicates how much support and the types of resources needed to support each learner while they are studying with us.

All our staff are highly trained. Our provision is totally focused on empowering young adults with learning disabilities. Therapy is holistic with a strong emphasis on Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Visual aids and communication tools are used in Vocational Training, Independent Living and out in the community.

We offer all our learners an outstanding, personalised learning programme which not only enables them to gain nationally and internationally recognised qualifications but most importantly develops and promotes independent living and work related skills. This will empower our learners to reach their full potential.

The Transition Officer, Team Leaders and tutors correspond with parents/carers/social workers and career officers whenever the occasion arises. Each learner has an annual review where parents/carer/social worker and the transition officer meets to report on learner progress and plan for the next stage in their lives. Parents and house staff communicate informally very regularly. Meetings are arranged with parents at the beginning of every term.

The Pathway to Life Independent Living Skills course provides learners with structured training on developing their knowledge and awareness of personal hygiene and how to build this into their daily routine. Learners are assessed against the objectives in the Personal Hygiene Unit during structured sessions and in the extended curriculum. Learners work with Tutors and the Reynards Care and Support Agency to further develop routines and liaise and meet with specialists. Learners take part in Home Economics sessions where they learn how to choose a balanced healthy diet and cook healthily. This raises learners’ awareness of the 'food plate', portion control and five a day. Within the extended curriculum learners are supported to take part in an activity or exercise of their choice. During the summer term learners receive first aid training and participate in health and safety week. Within the health and safety week the learners have structured sexual health training, medication training and further training in healthy eating and fluids. Learners also have access to our in-house therapists (Salt, OT and CBT).

All learners have access to our highly trained and skilled in-house therapists who carry out a detailed initial assessment of each learners and provide a person centred plan to meet their individual which is then integrated across all aspect of college life. We have a specialist mental health professional who is trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) which focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Occupational therapy (OT) compliments the work carried out in all of the residential houses and hotel. OT is a doing therapy enabling learners to gain the skills necessary to carry out everyday activities. Our OT team work alongside staff to assist them in motivating learners and teaching these skills. Our Speech and Language Therapy team work in all the residential houses and subject areas to ensure that learners develop confidence and ability in communication.

All teaching staff are highly skilled and qualified. Vocational Tutors have dual professionalism and Skills for Life staff are qualified to Diploma level. Tutors from our residential, vocational and skills for life departments are completing the most up to date qualification for teaching learners with a learning disability, City and Guilds - 6305-24 Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (Management). All learning support practitioners are qualified or working towards a Level 3 Qualification in Health and Social Care (Adults). The Academy has a comprehensive staff training programme which encourages staff to continue to develop their personal skills. All staff undergo annual training in Safeguarding, First Aid, Health and Safety and Food Safety. Continuing professional development for tutors includes professional discussions with senior management. Our fully qualified in-house therapist train and support staff in integrated therapeutic techniques into all aspects of the learning programme. Training has been highly effective in creating a fully inclusive provision, with outstanding outcomes for learners and committed and successful staff.

>At Foxes Academy we believe that education is not just about the acquisition of qualifications but also about the development of the whole person. The rich, diverse and ever evolving Extended Curriculum enables learners to choose activities that address personal issues of physical and mental health, wellbeing and emotional development. In order to further the learners' ability to make independent choices about use of leisure time, the extended curriculum has been totally personalised for the individual. Our excellent enrichment activities have been developed with a variety of interesting and useful activities which contribute to the learners' enjoyment and achievement, and their personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Strong partnerships with employers and members of the community result in enriched provision for our learners. The Academy works closely with local groups and organisations to maximise the opportunities for our learners to get involved and become active and valued members of the community. We also encourage charity awareness and support many organisations through different activities.

Both Foxes Academy and Foxes Hotel have wheelchair access into the building and lifts are available to access all floors. We have disabled toilets and accessible changing rooms. Foxes Academy can also access the Reynards Care and Support Agency who are an independent 24/7 Domiciliary Agency assisting young people with learning disabilities in the community. They cover support and care for those who live in their homes, on holiday, in a learning situation or on work experience. Support or assistance is offered with: * Washing, bathing, bed bathing, showering and grooming (personal hygiene) including oral care * Medication Management * Getting up or assisted to bed * Dressing/undressing/changing clothes * Toileting needs * Continence Management * Mobility, moving and handling/using equipment * Liaising with specialist outside agencies

Young people and families are welcome to attend one of our presentation days. We have a dedicated Admissions Team who offer personal support as students prepare for post-16 education and move up. Learners at Foxes Academy gain work experience from day one as they work within our Hotel that is open to the public. They also have an external work placement in the local community. As part of the curriculum learners will complete the Moving On course, this focuses on job searches, creating a CV interview techniques and practice. A strong feature of the course is meeting potential employers and considering any support needed etc.

Foxes prides itself on making reasonable adjustments for learners in order that they might reach their potential. Therapists assess communication and motivation needs, working closely with staff to develop individualised, practical resources. Our reputation for recognising the individuality of each and every learner has placed us at the forefront of specialist education. Awards and accolades to Foxes Academy pay tribute to the countless ways in which we have created a truly equal, inclusive and welcoming environment. We are proud that we celebrate differences and respect individuality.

All learners attend a pre placement assessment day where they have a detailed initial assessment of functional skills, vocational skills in the hotel training kitchen and skills in the community, e.g. crossing roads safely, an awareness to stranger danger, money skills and communication skills in the community. This assessment involves speech and language and occupational therapy.

At Foxes Academy communication with families is an ongoing process. Parents have a direct email/number of Team Leader and can contact house staff at any time. Questions and concerns are addressed immediately. Learners are encouraged to keep regular contact with parents and families via their chosen preference of communication e.g. Skype, telephone, text. Families are kept up to date with news via website and termly newsletters; they also receive weekly updates from Team Leader. This helps them to feel part of the Academy and welcomes them to celebrate the successes. Foxes Academy welcomes visits from family members and we invite them to regular events e.g. Graduation Ball. Reviews are held annually and families are invited to be part of the achievements and development of the Young People.