Calthorpe Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 October 2023

Very special things are happening at Calthorpe Academy. This community is driven to make every moment count for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school is determined that those needs will not limit pupils' achievements or enjoyment of school and the world around them. Pupils have a broad range of complex needs. From the moment pupils arrive, the school starts working with families and specialist services to understand pupils' needs so the right help can be put in place. Partnerships with health, social care and local authority teams provide a team around the pupil and their family to get the right support at the right time. Calmness and care define the relationship between staff and pupils. The school acts swiftly when pupils need extra help or support. Therapies, interventions and carefully considered provisions overcome the reasons for challenging behaviour. Consequently, pupils' behaviour across the school is settled and purposeful. Preparation for life in modern-day Birmingham is a priority. Not only do pupils have opportunities to visit places such as soft play centres and shops, but every trip is an opportunity to practise communication or independence skills. Consequently, pupils are proud of their school and their city.

What the school should improve

• When pupils move between curriculum pathways, they are not always well prepared for the challenges and expectations of the new curriculum. This slows their learning. The school should ensure that when the decision is made to transition pupils to a new curriculum pathway, the current pathway prioritises and implements the critical curriculum content that pupils will need to successfully engage in learning in the new pathway.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)