Joseph Norton Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 February 2025

Joseph Norton provides a safe and nurturing space where pupils can thrive. Pupils are helped to settle into school as quickly as possible. Pupils benefit from building high-quality relationships with staff. These are developed carefully. Over time, pupils feel safe and secure and become settled in the school environment. Pupils know staff are there to help them whenever they need it. They appreciate this greatly. Staff provide an environment where pupils learn to manage their own emotions. Staff understand what will and will not work for each pupil. Younger pupils are supported to manage their emotions and behaviours. Over time, they learn to do this successfully for themselves by applying the strategies they are taught. Pupils increasingly demonstrate kindness and consideration for others. The school provides an excellent array of personal development opportunities which helps pupils to learn about themselves. For example, some pupils benefit from contributing to their community by becoming a 'kindness ambassador' or participating in 'Open Farm Sunday'. Staff have very high expectations of what pupils can do and what they could achieve in the future. Older pupils take part in work experience. They are well prepared to move onto their next steps.

What the school should improve

• A few pupils at the earliest stages of writing do not get always get the specialist support they need. This means that their writing does not improve as quickly as it could. The school should continue to adapt the support that pupils receive to develop their writing.

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