Springwell Special Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 March 2022

Relationships between staff and pupils are positive. This puts pupils at ease and helps to create a calm and supportive environment for learning. Staff know pupils well and are sensitive to their individual needs, for example, recognising when a pupil isn't comfortable sharing their work with others until it is finished. The pastoral team, along with staff based in each classroom, provide a team of support around each individual. Pupils' social, emotional and mental health needs mean they sometimes find it difficult to manage their emotions. This stalls the learning for individuals at times. However, staff make use of de-escalation techniques to minimise any disruption to other pupils. Staff support pupils to make amends as needed and quickly get back to work. Leaders have made sure pupils study a broad curriculum, which is responsive to any issues pupils are facing. This helps pupils to feel safe and be well equipped to meet challenges and manage risks they may encounter. For example, if pupils are concerned about bullying, they are confident to speak to a trusted member of staff. They know staff will listen to them and support them.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have recently introduced a new approach to teaching phonics. Training has not been sufficient to give staff the expertise they need to teach reading well. Older pupils who have already fallen behind with reading and urgently need to catch up are not receiving enough, if any, support. Leaders need to prioritise staff training in phonics for leaders and staff. Leaders should check that phonics is delivered with rigour and consistency. They should make sure all pupils receive enough practise, both in lessons, and through additional intervention as necessary, to ensure pupils quickly become fluent readers.
• Absence and persistent absence are high. Pupils, therefore, do not benefit as well as they should from their education. Leaders should continue to take action to reduce absence and persistent absence as quickly as possible.

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