Foxfields Academy

Overview

Foxfields Academy is a special school where pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs are reported to "thrive". The inspection highlights a strong culture of support, with staff skilled in helping pupils manage behaviour and emotions, resulting in an "Outstanding" rating for personal development.

Strengths

• Staff provide "well-planned support" to help pupils overcome past difficulties and manage their behaviour effectively.
• The curriculum in core subjects like mathematics and science is strong, with teachers checking mistakes quickly and ensuring lessons flow in a "logical sequence".
• Leaders prioritise reading, ensuring pupils receive immediate support to "catch up quickly" and develop as "keen, confident readers".
• The personal, social and health education curriculum is "very strong" and "highly relevant", preparing pupils for life in modern Britain.
• Leaders provide an "exceptionally wide range of activities and therapies" to support pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure the curriculum is "fully planned and sequenced in all subjects", particularly in foundation subjects where mapping is not yet finalised.
• Leaders should improve attendance by developing "effective and purposeful engagement with parents and carers", as weak home–school links adversely affect attendance.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders having instilled a "strong culture of safeguarding" and ensuring thorough training and prompt responses to concerns.