Longspee Academy

Overview

Longspee Academy provides a "calm and nurturing environment" where pupils, many arriving from failed placements, gain confidence and self-esteem. The school fosters strong pastoral support and positive relationships, enabling pupils to feel valued and develop into responsible citizens.

Strengths

• Staff take "effective and supportive action" when pupils are anxious, helping them re-engage with learning.
• Reading is prioritised as the "gateway to pupils’ success," with "highly effective phonics teaching" for early readers.
• A well-designed PSHE curriculum helps pupils become "kind, thoughtful young people" who respect diversity.
• Pupils develop social and leadership skills through responsibilities like the school council and community support.
• Careers guidance is helpful, with meaningful work experience tailored to pupils’ talents and interests.

Areas to improve

• The trust must ensure attendance strategies are effective, as some pupils miss crucial learning due to irregular attendance.
• Learning must be adapted to securely close remaining knowledge gaps for older pupils, enabling access to complex learning.

Safeguarding

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