Lift Wishmore

Overview

Wishmore Cross Academy is an all-boys special school for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The report states that "much has been achieved since the school’s last inspection," with leaders effectively improving provision. Pupils generally feel safe and appreciate staff patience, while the curriculum is increasingly well-suited to their complex needs.

Strengths

• Staff have "appropriately high expectations" and know pupils well, helping them achieve well despite high mobility.
• The curriculum has "appropriate breadth" and includes targeted support for vulnerable pupils and an online offer for re-engagement.
• Personal development is a "high priority," with a focus on self-esteem and social-emotional needs, contributing to reduced absence.
• Safeguarding arrangements are "effective," creating an open culture that puts pupils’ interests first.
• A revised PSHE programme and new careers provision are positively impacting pupils’ preparation for life after school.

Areas to improve

• Ensure all teachers consistently design and adapt tasks, particularly in reading, so activities "build securely enough on what they already know."
• Ensure recent training on addressing offensive language is "routinely put into practice" to prevent derogatory language from continuing.

Safeguarding

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