Heron Academy

Overview

Heron Academy is described as a "very inclusive school" where every pupil is "known, valued and supported." Leaders place "wellbeing at the centre of their work," fostering a community where pupils feel safe and make progress towards future success.

Strengths

• Staff build "warm, trusting relationships" with pupils, helping them feel safe and engage positively in lessons.
• The curriculum is "ambitious" and "very closely tailored to students' needs," particularly in post-16 provision.
• Pupils are "very well prepared for the next stages of their lives," developing independence through real-life applications of skills.
• The school uses pupil premium funding "thoughtfully" to address barriers faced by disadvantaged pupils.
• Bullying is "extremely rare," and staff respond to distress "calmly and respectfully."

Areas to improve

• Leaders should "strengthen and refine practice in applying sanctions" as part of behaviour management.
• Leaders should continue to "embed processes that assure the quality of staff professional learning."
• Leaders should maintain effective partnership working with external professionals to support pupils' welfare.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.