The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good and is carefully monitored. OFSTED

Leaders have high expectations; the combination of improvements to both academic and vocational provisions, alongside a widening enrichment and tutor programme, have seen numbers and outcomes rise. OFSTED

The teachers here are fantastic and help me to do things I wouldn’t have done otherwise. STUDENT

I have had fantastic opportunities to take action on the things I feel are important and we are supported to complete charitable work, volunteer work and organising social events. STUDENT

Learning is good in lessons because teachers focus on developing pupils’ independent working skills. OFSTED

Wellbeing

Staff Wellbeing

Staff Wellbeing .jpg

Teacher Wellbeing Videos

Bedford Academy is the sole school selected to promote the DfE Wellbeing Charter in the country.

Please find the film clips below.

Teacher Wellbeing Videos

Wellbeing Newsletters

Visit page

Student Wellbeing

Counselling

Every Monday we have a counselling service run by Bedford Open Door. Their counsellors, as a registered members of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) have experience of working with a range of different issues.

Counselling is a chance for students to talk in confidence about anything that may be worrying them and to explore their feelings and problems, without being told what to do. Counselling provides a chance for students to work towards finding their strengths and live in a happier way.

If, as a student, you would like help, please email [email protected] and they will set up an appointment for you.

If you feel you would rather talk to someone outside of school there are other places to contact such as Kooth. For details of other services, click here.

School Nurse

Bedford Academy accesses the Bedfordshire School Nurse Service. As part of this service the School Nurse holds a clinic at The Academy every Monday 12:00 – 14:00pm - referrals through Head of Year or the Wellbeing Team.

The nurse can also provide support with:

Relationships
Bullying
Exam Stress
Drugs and Alcohol
Self-harm
Family issues
Diet
Someone to talk to, driect contact: Text 07507331450

iCaSH

Bedford Academy host a fortnightly drop in. Wednesday week 2, 12:55 - 14:00

Providing all aspects of sexual health, including contraception, STI testing and treatment, psychosexua services.

Aquarius

Aquarius is a young people’s drug and alcohol support service covering Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire. We work with young people aged 5-19.

Referrals via the school, Head 0f Year, or the Wellbeing Team.

Alternatively, self-referrals: office number: 0330 0083925 or office mobile: 07467 336203. Email: [email protected]

CAMH

CAMH Schools team – Fortnightly, Thursday Week 1 – 8:45-15:50 – Drop-in for Sixth Form – 13:30-14:00

CAMH team support young people from Year 9 up to Year 13. They provide an initial meeting to discuss student worries/difficult emotions/feelings. Advice and self-help resources around mental health. They advise about other services that may be able to give help/support.

CHUMS

Chums - Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Service for Children and Young People provides therapeutic support in a variety of ways. Bereavement/Trauma Service also available for Children and Young People

Referral via Head of Year through an EHA

Self-referral email: [email protected]

Ormiston

Ormiston – Supporting families, young people affected by the imprisonment or offending behaviour of either a parent/carer/relative.

Referral via Head of Year or the Wellbeing Team

Direct referral [email protected] or Telephone: 01473 724517

Wellbeing Events

CAMHS/Chums are rolling out a number of seminars in March to promote Child and Adolescent Emotional Wellbeing, the first topic is 'Managing Emotions and Self-Esteem'.

Parent/Carer Support

Below are some pamphlets to help parents/carers support their children.

Aspirations

Building Resilience

Encouraging Independence

Helping your child get into good habits

Mental Health

Screen Time

Social Media

Young Person s Sanctuary for Service User2

Parental and Family Support

Family Support Manager

Our Family Support Manager, Ms Michelle Williamson, is available throughout the school day to support families with concerns they may have around issues that occur outside of school but may well affect your child at Bedford Academy. Ms Williamson can provide support and information in regards to such matters as housing benefits, employment and parenting. Ms Williamson can be contacted on 01234 301500 extn 703 or by email at [email protected]

Parental Support

All parents experience difficulties at various times that can be helped by other family members or close friends. If someone you know is having difficulties, you could offer the following:

A listening ear

Ideas to cope with problems

Encouragement to get some help

Practical support (childcare / shopping)

If you need help, please contact your child's Head of Year or Ms Williamson (Engagement & Behaviour Support). Ms Williamson can be contacted on 01234 301500 extn 703 or by email at [email protected]