Highfield Littleport Academy

Overview

Highfield Littleport Academy is a special school where pupils are described as "proud," "safe and secure," and "well cared for." The report highlights a "well-considered curriculum" adapted to individual needs, resulting in pupils who "achieve well" and become "increasingly confident learners."

Strengths

• Pupils are "respectful and polite," with bullying described as "rare," and they feel confident approaching staff with worries.
• The curriculum is planned in "suitably small steps" and includes a "wide variety of experiences" such as outdoor learning and residential visits.
• Staff effectively support communication, using "alternative and supported means" like signing and symbols to ensure it is an "entitlement for all."
• Leaders plan carefully for transitions, ensuring pupils are "well prepared" for post-16 education through visits and career fairs.
• Governors and trustees are "knowledgeable" and "effective in holding leaders to account" for the quality of provision.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure the intended curriculum is "implemented effectively in all subjects," particularly where subject leaders are new, to provide full access to the "small step curriculum."
• Leaders need to fully implement plans to develop characteristics such as "independent thinking skills" and "resilience," ensuring pupils instinctively apply these skills during learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff well trained to identify vulnerabilities and report concerns, while the curriculum helps pupils learn how to stay safe in various situations.