Foxes Academy - Activities for adults

Foxes Academy is an Ofsted outstanding specialist college and training hotel for young adults with learning disabilities.

Foxes is situated in the friendly seaside town of Minehead, Somerset. Our courses are holistic, offering training in independent life skills in residential learner houses, with tuition in hospitality and catering skills in a hotel which is open to the general public and highly rated on Trip Advisor.

01643 708529 or 01643 708529

admissions@foxesacademy.ac.uk

Foxes Academy webpage

Learning disability communication Impairment including:

• Speech and language delay
• autistic spectrum disorder (including social communication difficulty)
• long term conditions
• challenging behaviour
• hearing impairment
• social, emotional and mental health difficulties 
• Aspergers syndrome

We have a passion and a culture to ensure our learners get the best vocational education enabling them to develop employability and independence skills. Underpinning the success of our learners is the integrated therapeutic approach that empowers resilience in our young people and enables them to achieve fantastic learning outcomes, sustainable employment and achieve their potential.

Karen Lamb. Call 01643 708529 or email families@megacentrerayleigh.co.uk

How does the setting/school/college know if children/young people need extra help and what should I do if I think my child/young person may have special educational needs?

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.

How will early years setting/school/college staff support my child/young person? How will the teaching be adapted for my child with SEND?

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 and  Speech and Language Therapy. Visual aids and communication tools are used in Vocational Training, Independent Living and out in the community. Our staff are qualified and experienced in working with a range of learning disabilities with accompanying health issues. We use Total Communication where appropriate and have staff trained to help young people manage epilepsy and other seizures.

How will the cirriculum be matched to my child's/young persons needs?

Each potential student will undergo an initial assessment to ascertain whether Foxes Academy is a suitable learning environment for them. We have a passion and a culture to ensure our learners get the best vocational education enabling them to develop employability and independence skills. Underpinning the success of our learners is the integrated therapeutic approach that empowers resilience in our young people and enables them to achieve fantastic learning outcomes, sustainable employment and achieve their potential.

How will both you and I know how my child/young person is doing and how will you help me support my child's/young person's learning?

The Transition Officer, Team Leaders and tutors correspond with parents/carers/social workers and career officers whenever the occasion arises. Each student has an annual review where parents/carer/social worker and the transition officer meets to report on student 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.

What support will there be for my child's/young person's overall wellbeing?

The Pathway to Life Independent Living Skills course provides students with structured training on developing their knowledge and awareness of personal hygiene and how to build this into their daily routine. Students are assessed against the objectives in the Personal Hygiene Unit during structured sessions and in the extended curriculum.

Students work with Tutors and the Reynard Care and Support Agency to further develop routines and liaise and meet with specialists. Students take part in Home Economics sessions where they learn how to choose a balanced healthy diet and cook healthily. This raises students 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 students receive first aid training and participate in health and safety week. Within the health and safety week the students have structured sexual health training, medication training and further training in healthy eating and fluids. Students also have access to our in-house therapists (SaLT and OT).

What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the school/setting/college?

All students 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. Occupational therapy (OT) compliments the work carried out in all of the residential houses and hotel. OT is a doing therapy enabling students to gain the skills necessary to carry out everyday activities. Our OT team work alongside staff to assist them in motivating students and teaching these skills. Our Speech and Language Therapy team work in all the residential houses and subject areas to ensure that students develop confidence and ability in communication.

What training are the staff supporting the children and young people with SEND have had or are having?

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.

How will my child/young person be included in activities outside this classroom including school trips?

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 students' 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 students' 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.

How accessible is the setting/school/college environment?

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 Reynard 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

How will the setting/school/college prepare and support my child/young person to join the setting/school/college or the next stage of education and life?

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. Students 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 students 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.

How are the setting's/school's/college's resources allocated and matched to children's/young people's special educational needs?

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.

How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child/young person will receive?

All students 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.

How are parents involved in the setting/school/college? How can I be involved?

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. Students 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.