Brook Academy

Overview

Brook Academy is a special school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, rated ‘Good’ across all key judgement areas. The report highlights a curriculum designed to help pupils overcome barriers to engagement, building their confidence and resilience through positive relationships and targeted support.

Strengths

• The curriculum intent is clear, providing regular opportunities for pupils to revisit and build on prior learning, which helps them succeed.
• Staff skilfully use education, health and care plans to create Personal Learning Plans that support pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs.
• A well-developed careers programme helps pupils make informed choices about post-16 education, employment and training.
• Pupils value enrichment experiences such as boxing, music and residential trips, which help them explore new talents and interests.
• The school creates a calm environment where most pupils feel safe, with positive working relationships based on trust and respect.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, staff knowledge of the curriculum is underdeveloped, and teaching adaptations lack precision, meaning pupils struggle to secure new knowledge.
• The curriculum is not implemented as intended in some subjects, with pupils lacking sufficient opportunities to routinely recap and apply prior learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.