Bishop Young Academy is a safe and welcoming family, where all God’s children are valued and all are enabled to flourish. We rejoice in the diversity of the many individuals who make up our community, as we learn to live well together and to serve one another in love.

The Christian vision is the root of the provision throughout BYA and is reflected in the work with our Dovecote provision. The mental & physical wellbeing of all the students in Dovecote is central to everything we do, both on a pastoral & academic level.  

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All Dovecote students are members of mainstream tutor groups & take part in collective worship every Friday. Students attend assemblies with necessary adjustments, so are able to experience the spiritual teachings that are presented. They are also members of the Cathedrals, which encourages teamwork & a sense of belonging to the mainstream school.  

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As part of our blended learning encourage, we our students within Dovecote to access as many mainstream lessons as is possible and support them in the areas in which they are struggling. We aim to be as inclusive as possible, helping staff to differentiate the learning environments, to enable our pupils to access topics across the curriculum. Many of our pupils are able to use alternative methods of presenting their work, like the use of imagery & photographs or the use of equipment, like counters and geo-shapes in Maths.  

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We are able to make reasonable adjustments where needed which include alternative items of uniform, additional learning tools such as laptops or ear defenders or it could be a need for single cubicles rather than using communal changing rooms in PE.  

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We offer a wide range of interventions, including Speech and Language Therapy sessions and LifeSkills, as well as phonics, numeracy and social and emotional support.  In all our interventions we link the knowledge & skills to everyday life so that our learners will ultimately be able to lead a successful, independent life as adults. Throughout the day there are numerous opportunities for personalised sensory breaks, to support regulation, with the variety of activities on offer to support the individuals need.  

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We have our own canteen space and specialist staff who prepare our food for us.  During break and lunch, we encourage members of Dovecote to try a range of foods and are mindful that some students may choose to bring in their our packed lunches as well.  We have created a safe, calm space for all students to attempt activities that challenge their anxiety, widening their horizons & experience.  

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Through our blended learning and nurturing methodology we support them to flourish and become the best version of themselves; to have aspirations, hopes & dreams that are achievable, rather than focussing on what they can’t do. We promote a positive attitude to all things, a ‘can do’ culture, where all individuals are valued equally.

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