Sunnyside Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 November 2023

This is a highly inclusive and caring school. Pupils with additional needs work alongside each other and their classmates with a smile. Pupils say this is one of the best things about school. Pupils accept each other for being just the way they are. Pupils are respectful of each other and patiently wait for their turn. They exude good manners. They are polite and courteous. For example, pupils open doors for one another and visitors and check on the well-being of their friends, especially those with sensory needs. Pupils embody the school rules of being 'ready, respectful and safe'. Pupils feel safe because there are adults to help them. They know adults will deal swiftly with poor behaviour. Teachers expect pupils to do their best. They rise to this challenge. Pupils make an effort with the presentation of work and take pride in their books. Most pupils achieve well and demonstrate a love of reading. Pupils benefit from a calm and supportive environment in which they can learn.

What the school should improve

• A few gaps remain in some older pupils' basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics. This is holding them back from achieving as well as they could. The school must ensure that the basic skills of all pupils are secure so that they reach their full academic potential.
• The curriculum in some foundation subjects is less developed than it is in others. Some pupils are unable to connect new learning to what they already know. The school needs to make sure that the curriculum is securely developed across all subjects so that pupils learn well across the whole curriculum.

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