Thompsons Academy trading as Navigators

Overview

Thompsons Academy trading as Navigators provides individualised education for vulnerable learners with complex needs, many of whom have been out of formal education for significant periods. While staff build strong, trusting relationships that improve attendance and personal safety, the report identifies that teaching quality is inconsistent and too few learners achieve their qualifications. Leaders and governors require stronger oversight to drive improvement across all curriculum pathways.

Strengths

• Staff use their training and experience to work sensitively with learners, building trust and providing stability for those in crisis.
• Leaders have designed effective support for learners with significant daily challenges, including tailored strategies for self-regulation and medication management.
• Learners feel "welcome, valued and respected," which motivates them to continue their education and improves their attendance.
• Staff successfully teach practical life skills, such as money management and staying safe, helping learners reduce vulnerabilities and build resilience.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure the quality of teaching and resources is consistently high across all curriculum pathways, as it is currently too variable.
• Leaders should improve the monitoring of learners’ progress to ensure they achieve qualifications, particularly in English and mathematics.
• Leaders and governors need to enhance their analysis and oversight of teaching quality and outcomes to secure improvement.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified, acted upon, and managed to ensure learners feel safe.