Aspire Academy

Overview

Aspire Academy is a special school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. The report describes a setting where pupils "enjoy coming" and feel safe, supported by strong relationships with adults who adapt lessons to meet individual needs. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and personal development, ensuring pupils are well prepared for secondary school.

Strengths

• "Behaviour and attitudes" are rated Outstanding, with staff expertly supporting pupils to manage emotions and regulate their behaviour.
• "Personal development" is rated Outstanding, driven by a "well-thought-out programme" including clubs, therapies, and trips that build confidence and self-esteem.
• The curriculum is "ambitious" and "tailored to the needs of pupils," featuring interesting topics and creative teaching methods that capture pupils’ interests.
• Staff demonstrate "sound" subject knowledge and use assessment effectively to identify gaps and ensure pupils move through the curriculum successfully.
• Leaders are committed to staff well-being, considering workload and listening to concerns, while providing extensive training and support.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, it is not clear what the "key bits of knowledge" pupils should learn, causing difficulty with complex tasks; leaders must ensure key skills and knowledge are clearly identified in all subjects.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being vigilant, concerns rigorously followed up, and the curriculum teaching pupils how to keep themselves safe.