Redwood Park Academy

Overview

This ungraded inspection found that "aspects of the school’s work may not be as strong as at the time of the previous inspection," triggering a future graded inspection. Despite this, pupils "love coming to school" in a "calm place to learn" where they behave extremely well and feel safe. Leaders have raised ambitions for achievement, and while much has improved, inconsistencies remain in delivering the new curriculum and supporting specific learning needs.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from a "kind and happy atmosphere" with "positive, trusting relationships" between staff and pupils.
• The revised curriculum is "increasingly ambitious," with learning "well sequenced" to build on prior knowledge and meet EHC plan targets.
• Pupils are "very well prepared for their adult lives," gaining independence through activities like the school’s own ‘flat’ and work experience.
• Staff are supported with well-being and workload, ensuring they are "on board with the school’s raised ambitions."
• Most pupils attend school "very regularly," with additional help provided for those struggling due to social, emotional, or mental health needs.

Areas to improve

• The phonics approach for the weakest readers is not used "precisely, rigorously or regularly enough," and reading books are not well matched to the sounds pupils know.
• Some classroom activities are "not designed well enough to help pupils achieve the raised ambition of the academic curriculum," limiting potential achievement.

Safeguarding

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