Phoenix Autism Trust

Overview

Phoenix Autism Trust is an independent specialist college in east London for learners aged 19 to 25 with autism and associated special educational needs. The inspection found that learners study in “very calm and inclusive environments” where staff provide highly personalised support, resulting in “exceptional” behaviour and strong preparation for adulthood.

Strengths

• Learners benefit from a “personalised curriculum” that effectively develops independence, health, and work skills, leading to successful transitions into employment or adult social care.
• Staff create an environment that “values and celebrates difference,” ensuring learners feel safe and take “great pride in their work.”
• High-quality therapeutic support, including speech and language therapy and art therapy, is coordinated effectively to help learners develop communication and self-advocacy skills.
• Experienced careers advisors provide “high-quality advice and guidance,” working closely with families and local authorities to plan learners’ next steps.
• Leaders have “considerably improved” assessment practices, using thorough observations to set challenging individual targets that most learners achieve.

Areas to improve

• Improve the clarity of instructions staff give to learners so that learners know what is expected of them.
• Give feedback to learners that identifies specifically what they need to do to improve their knowledge, skills, and behaviours.
• Improve how tutors use assessment to check learners’ understanding and knowledge when introducing new content.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”