Bradford Alternative Provision Academy (BAPA)

BAPA provides a safe, secure and inclusive learning environment for young people referred following permanent exclusion from school. It engages all learners to gain knowledge, skills and attitudes that support progress in education and society in order to improve life chances.

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.

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. To view these offers please visit here.

Exceed Academies Trust works closely with the Local Authority to support children and young people requiring alternative provision and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan in order to give them the specific targeted support that they both need and deserve.

Why are we consulting?

If an Academy Trust wishes to make a significant change to one of its schools they are required to make a significant change application to the Regional Department for Education (DfE) Directors. A significant change is defined as one that may have a ‘significant’ impact on the local school environment, through changing the number and/or type of school places and/or where they are offered. Before such an application can be submitted, a fair and open local consultation with all relevant stakeholders is required.

What are we consulting on?

The proposal is to increase the number of places at BAPA from 65 to 107, so an increase of 42 places. Additionally, we are consulting on operating additional sites for BAPA.

32 new places will operate out of a section of the vacant, former Bradford District Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) site at Anerley Street, BD4 7SY. This will be a temporary arrangement until a permanent solution can be found.

The other additional places will be based in the former caretaker bungalows at Holybrook Primary School, Rillington Mead BD10 0EB and Bowling Park Primary School, New Cross Street BD5 8BT. Both these schools are part of Exceed Academies Trust.

It is important to note that these are new places and will not affect children and young people on roll at BAPA currently.

Evidence of demand

Despite the decrease that has been seen in the birth rate within the Bradford district, the number of children and young people requiring access to alternative provision is increasing.

Table 1 below shows that permanent exclusions have increased substantially in the last 3 academic years.

Of the 52 permanent exclusions in spring 2023/24, 43 occurred within secondary schools.

Bradford Local Authority is currently unable to meet demand for alternative provision places for secondary-aged children across its current provisions. Therefore, it is necessary for BAPA to expand to meet this rise in demand.

How will this be achieved?

If all proposals are supported by the Regional Schools Director, BAPA will operate on a section of the Anerley Street site which will facilitate an increase of 32 places. The local authority will support this proposal by leading and funding works at Anerley Street to make the site suitable for alternative provision.

The other additional places will be based in the former caretaker bungalows at Holybrook Primary School, Rillington Mead BD10 0EB and Bowling Park Primary School, New Cross Street BD5 8BT. Both of these schools are part of Exceed Academies Trust.

How can I share my views?

The consultation will be open from 19^th November 2024 to the 17^th December 2024 for you to share your views.

Please click on the link or QR Code below to open the survey and to share your views on the proposal:

https://online1.snapsurveys.com/BAPAConsultation

Or you can scan the QR code below.

If you would prefer a paper copy of the consultation, please contact the school office or email: admin@bradfordapacademy.co.uk