Introduction
Bradford Academy Trust is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and high-quality education for all children and young people in our care. We are a values-driven organisation guided by responsibility, respect, and resilience. This consultation document
sets out the rationale for, and seeks views on, a proposed significant change: the closure of the Local Authority (LA)–led Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provision currently operating on the Bradford Academy site.
This consultation is being undertaken following extensive consideration by academy leaders and governors, and in response to ongoing concerns about the suitability and sustainability of the current arrangements.
Background and Context
The LA-led SEMH provision is a 24-place provision managed by the Local Authority, with all learners on the Bradford Academy roll. The provision was originally established to support the Bradford inclusion agenda and to contribute to the academy’s wider growth
strategy.
Despite significant effort and investment from academy leaders and staff, the academy does not have sufficient operational or strategic control over the SEMH provision to ensure that it consistently meets academy standards for safeguarding, curriculum, and
inclusion.
Reasons for Consultation
The primary reason for this consultation is the concern that the SEMH provision is not being run appropriately under the current LA-led arrangements. Specific concerns include:
Impact on the Wider Academy Community
Bradford Academy already supports a high number of learners with SEND, including more than 50 Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) across secondary mainstream and school-led resourced provisions, plus a further 25 in our primary mainstream.
The academy also hosts a school run and funded 24-place RESET provision specifically designed for learners with SEMH needs.
Having a total of 48 resourced provision places represents around 4% of the secondary cohort and is unsustainable. This figure does not include those in RESET or in mainstream with an EHCP. This level of provision significantly limits the academy’s ability
to effectively support learners with SEND who have EHCPs, but do not qualify for resourced provision or learners with SEND who do not have an EHCP.
Commitment to Inclusion
Bradford Academy remains fully committed to the inclusion agenda and to meeting the needs of vulnerable learners in Bradford. The proposed closure of the LA-led SEMH provision would not affect the academy’s two school-led resourced provisions, nor its commitment
to inclusive mainstream practice. Leaders believe that this decision would allow the academy to better support the majority of learners on roll and to allocate resources more effectively and sustainably.
The Proposal
Governors are consulting on a proposal to:
All feedback received during the consultation period will be carefully considered before any decision is taken.
Consultation Process
The consultation period runs from 5th May-26th May During this time, stakeholders are invited to share their views on the proposal, including:
How to Respond
Please email consultation@bradfordacademy.co.uk with any responses.
Conclusion
Leaders and governors believe that continuing with the current LA-led SEMH provision is no longer in the best interests of learners or the wider academy community. This consultation is a crucial part of ensuring that any decision taken is transparent, well-informed,
and focused on securing the best possible outcomes for children and young people at Bradford Academy.