Greenfields Academy

Overview

Greenfields Academy is described as an "ambitious and caring school" where staff build "trusting and supportive relationships" with pupils who have often experienced disrupted education. The inspection confirms the school has taken "effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection," fostering a calm environment where pupils feel "happy and safe" and gradually re-engage with learning.

Strengths

• Pupils make "positive progress" through a "thoughtfully designed curriculum" that is personalised to match their specific needs and EHC plans.
• Behaviour is "exemplary," creating a "calm, respectful environment" supported by staff well-trained in strategies that promote positive engagement.
• The school prioritises reading, using individualised phonics programmes to help pupils become "confident, fluent readers" who demonstrate "clear joy in reading."
• Personal development is central, with opportunities like outdoor education and residential trips helping pupils develop "confidence, resilience and self-esteem."
• A "well-thought-out careers programme" provides independent guidance and work experience, preparing older pupils well for their next steps.

Areas to improve

• Ensure staff adapt curriculum delivery effectively so pupils are not given tasks that are "either too challenging or not challenging enough," which hinders learning.
• Maintain focus on improving attendance for some pupils, as current strategies are not yet delivering "sustained improvement... quickly enough," leading to gaps in knowledge.

Safeguarding

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