Endeavour Academy, Oxford

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 November 2022

Pupils are highly valued at Endeavour Academy. Staff go out of their way to understand and support every pupil's unique characteristics and needs. Positive relationships make this a school where staff and pupils want to be. Adults' ready smiles and 'high fives' reassure pupils across the day, fostering an ethos of success. Leaders have created an environment where pupils feel safe in spite of their anxieties. Pupils' busy days often include supportive therapies and sensory experiences. These comprise of sensory activities, such as music, reflexology and massage. Choosing their own activity helps pupils to manage any feeling of unease. Top of most pupils' list is being in the outside area. Here, they use equipment that includes swings and tricycles, and relax in special spaces. The staff team does all it can to ensure pupils develop strong social skills. These are the key to prepare for adult life. Parents confirm that their children are happy at school. Typical of their views was one parent who described the school as 'life-changing'. They welcome the close cooperation between home and school. Pupils' behaviour is not deliberate and has no intention to threaten or harass others. As a result, bullying does not occur, though it can be perceived. All adults pre-empt incidents skilfully. When they occur, staff are always on hand to restore calm.

What the school should improve

• The school's approach to using assistive communication for reading and writing is not consistently implemented. This means that some pupils do not build knowledge and skills sequentially. Leaders need to provide training, so that all staff have the expertise to deliver the school's approaches effectively.
• On occasion, the learning intentions to develop pupils' knowledge in basic academic skills do not identify precisely the necessary small steps in learning. This means that staff, sometimes, implement learning activities that are not matched to needs. Leaders should ensure all staff are equipped to deliver the components of learning that pupils next need to practise and know.

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