Elm Tree Primary Academy

Overview

Elm Tree Primary Academy is a special school for neurodiverse pupils where staff create an environment in which children "flourish" and feel "confident, capable and empowered." The report highlights a "rich, high-quality education" tailored to individual needs, supported by strong partnerships with parents and external specialists.

Strengths

• The school "celebrates neurodiversity," with staff using expert strategies for sensory regulation to help pupils remain "calm, focused and engaged."
• Lessons are "carefully sequenced" through collaboration with specialists, such as speech and language therapists, to build knowledge over time.
• Strong family partnerships ensure parents feel "heard and involved," particularly in shaping the early years curriculum.
• Pupils enjoy "enriching experiences" including therapeutic interventions, swimming, and visits to museums and places of worship.
• Attendance rates are high, with staff working closely with families to overcome barriers for pupils who previously missed long periods of school.

Areas to improve

• Staff do not consistently implement communication systems, meaning some pupils do not receive appropriate support with spoken language, symbols, or signing.
• Some pupils lack regular opportunities to practise practical life skills, such as shopping and road safety, in real-life local community situations.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."