Leigh Academy Snowfields

Overview

Snowfields Academy is a special school for pupils with autism where leaders and staff hold "the highest ambitions" for student achievement. The inspection found that pupils are "rightly proud" of their school, benefiting from a culture where differences are "valued, nurtured and celebrated." The report highlights that pupils achieve "exceptionally well" academically and personally, thriving in an environment designed to support their specific needs.

Strengths

• Teachers are "highly skilled" and "experts in teaching and supporting pupils with autism," delivering engaging activities that help pupils overcome barriers to learning.
• The curriculum is "organised meticulously," with a strong focus on developing social communication and preparing pupils for "paid employment later in life."
• Pupils demonstrate "exceptional" behaviour and attitudes, underpinned by clear values such as "be kind, work hard, communicate, stay safe and be happy."
• Staff build "trusting relationships" quickly, creating a "warm, friendly, supportive culture" that encourages regular attendance even for those previously unable to attend school.
• Leaders provide "extensive, rich opportunities" for personal development, including clubs like the ‘young farmer’s club’ and celebration assemblies.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being "extremely knowledgeable" about the additional vulnerabilities of pupils and ensuring concerns are "recorded and acted on swiftly."