Developing socially and emotionally
For many of our students, they come to the Academy having been socially isolated in their previous school or college and not included in any meaningful way. This can have serious consequences, not only in terms of their social and emotional development but also in their ability to understand social rules and behaviours. The good news is that, when placed within a community where they can actively take part and be included, their opportunities to develop socially and emotionally are transformed, as is their behaviour.
With a student roll of 120, with far fewer communication barriers, our students are able to develop socially and emotionally on a par with their hearing peers. The Academy subscribes to the aspirations of a therapeutic community, and manages behaviour through non-aggressive physical and psychological interventions (all staff are trained in these techniques).
All students are assessed for their social and emotional levels on entry to the Academy and at regular intervals during the Academic year. Targets are made for and with each student so that they are aware of the high expectations we have for them.
The Academy has many specialist staff who enable students to develop socially and emotionally, including Dr Jim Cromwell, a clinical psychologist with L4 BSL. We have two members of staff (one deaf, one hearing) training as accredited counsellors. We also have personal support workers, and a physiotherapist and occupational therapist.
There are different programmes that are followed at different age ranges. Primary school uses the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL), whereas school and college have extensive Personal, Social and Health Education programmes delivered by experienced and highly capable tutors.