Highfield Littleport Academy is a special school located in Littleport, Ely, Cambridgeshire, which opened in September 2017. The school caters to pupils aged 2 to 19 and is designed to support a variety of special educational needs. It currently has 124 pupils enrolled, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. The school is co-located with a secondary school, providing a unique environment for its students. The majority of the pupils are white British, and the proportion of disadvantaged pupils eligible for pupil premium funding is above average.
The recent inspection conducted on 22 and 23 March 2022 rated the school as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school has not been previously inspected under section 5 of the Education Act 2005, making this evaluation particularly significant.
Pupils at Highfield Littleport Academy demonstrate pride in their school, attending regularly and feeling safe and secure. They are well cared for and exhibit respectful and polite behaviour towards staff and peers. The school has established a positive culture where bullying is reported to be rare, and pupils feel comfortable approaching staff with any concerns. The curriculum is tailored to meet the individual needs of students, allowing them to achieve well and develop confidence as learners.
The school offers a variety of enriching experiences, including outdoor learning, links with mainstream schools for certain lessons, and residential visits. These activities enhance the educational experience and contribute to the personal development of pupils. The curriculum is designed with small, manageable steps to ensure that all pupils can access the learning material effectively.
Leaders have implemented a well-considered curriculum that takes into account the knowledge and skills pupils need to succeed after leaving school. Individual targets from EHC plans are regularly reviewed, and parents are kept informed and involved in their child's progress. Subject leaders are responsible for ensuring that the curriculum builds on prior knowledge, although some are still developing their roles.
Reading and communication skills are prioritized, with systematic instruction beginning when pupils start school. Staff utilize various communication methods to support all pupils, ensuring that effective communication is accessible to everyone. Pupils also engage in practical life skills, such as shopping and cooking, and are encouraged to participate in school council elections, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
The school places a strong emphasis on preparing pupils for their next educational steps, with organized visits to local colleges and opportunities for work experience. The transition process is well-planned, ensuring that pupils are ready for the challenges ahead.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to the specific vulnerabilities of pupils with special educational needs. The curriculum includes lessons on safety in various contexts, including online safety and road safety.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some subject leaders are new to their roles, and the implementation of the curriculum in certain subjects needs further development. Leaders are working to enhance the characteristics of learning, such as resilience and independent thinking, to ensure that all pupils benefit from a comprehensive educational experience. Overall, Highfield Littleport Academy is a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
