Discovery Special Academy

Overview

Discovery Special Academy is a special school for pupils aged 2 to 16 with complex needs, where leaders aspire for pupils to take control of their own learning. The report describes a calm, highly inclusive environment where staff build secure relationships and deliver a well-thought-out curriculum tailored to individual requirements. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, ensuring they develop essential skills for adulthood through structured pathways and therapeutic interventions.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “well-thought-out” and designed to meet pupils’ individual needs, with a strong focus on developing “phonic knowledge” and communication skills.
• Staff have a “deep understanding of each pupil” and use “sensory and practical activities” to help pupils embed learning securely.
• The school is “highly inclusive” and calm, with bullying not being an issue; pupils feel safe and supported by a high number of staff.
• Personal development is supported by a “well-designed” PSHE curriculum that prepares pupils for adulthood through milestones, residential visits, and community engagement.
• Leaders are “knowledgeable and caring,” receiving strong support from trustees who “rigorously hold leaders to account.”

Areas to improve

• Leaders should continue working with parents to improve attendance for the “some pupils” who are “persistently absent,” as this prevents them from developing positive school routines.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with robust procedures for checking adults, detailed record-keeping, and staff who are well trained and quick to respond to concerns.