North Road Academy

Overview

This material change inspection advises that North Road Academy is “likely to meet the relevant independent school standards” if its proposed changes are implemented. The school seeks to reduce its capacity from 230 to 90 pupils and transition to an independent special school with an Islamic ethos. Inspectors found that leadership has the necessary expertise and systems in place to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Strengths

• Leaders possess “appropriate knowledge and expertise” and a “powerful vision” for providing high-quality SEND provision.
• Staff are “well trained in identifying and meeting the needs of the pupils,” with secure subject knowledge.
• The curriculum is “broad and balanced,” featuring three learning pathways designed to build incrementally on prior learning.
• Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with “appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures” and detailed record-keeping.
• The site is “maintained to a high standard,” with suitable classrooms, sensory spaces, and outdoor areas for play.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement, noting that the proprietor has ensured requirements are likely to be met.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to manage risks and keep pupils safe, and that the school’s safeguarding policy is published on its website.