North View Academy, located in South Hylton, Sunderland, is a special primary school that caters to children with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, as well as autism. The school is part of WISE Academies and is led by headteacher Gary Mellefont. The recent inspection conducted on November 28 and 29, 2023, confirmed that North View Academy continues to be a good school. The leadership structure includes Zoe Carr as the chief executive officer of the trust and Margaret Elise Wright-Stephenson as the chair of the board of trustees.
Pupils at North View Academy thrive in a supportive environment characterized by strong relationships between staff and students. The staff are well-acquainted with the individual needs of each pupil, which is crucial given that all students have special educational needs and/or disabilities and possess an education, health, and care plan. The school effectively supports pupils who face communication challenges, fostering a trusting atmosphere where students feel comfortable voicing their concerns.
Behavior among pupils is generally positive, with students moving around the school calmly and respectfully. While some pupils may struggle with self-regulation, staff respond with patience and skill, providing the necessary support to help these students manage their behavior. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff act swiftly to address the situation, contributing to a safe school environment.
The school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum aligned with the national curriculum, designed to prepare pupils for their next educational steps. Leaders ensure that the curriculum is informed by advice from therapists and other professionals, which is effectively implemented by the staff. The curriculum outlines specific knowledge that pupils must acquire, allowing for a structured approach to learning. However, in a few subjects, the curriculum does not fully build on prior knowledge, which can limit some pupils' progress.
Daily instruction in English and mathematics is tailored to match pupils' understanding levels, enabling teachers to meet their educational needs effectively. Afternoon lessons are organized within tutor groups to facilitate learning across various subjects. The school has also established a well-considered approach to teaching reading, starting from the earliest stages and matching reading materials to pupils' interests and knowledge of sounds, which aids in developing reading fluency.
Pupils benefit from numerous enrichment activities that promote personal development, including community support initiatives and skills development for independence. The school organizes various trips and experiences, such as visits to local attractions, which enhance the learning experience.
Staff express high levels of satisfaction regarding the support they receive from school leaders concerning their workload and well-being. The governing body and trustees provide effective oversight and challenge to the school's leadership.
The safeguarding arrangements at North View Academy are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. The inspection highlighted that while the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum in certain subjects to enhance pupils' learning experiences and outcomes. The school is committed to addressing these areas to ensure that all pupils can achieve their full potential. This inspection marks the first ungraded inspection since the school was last judged to be good in April 2018, and it reflects the ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards in education and care for its pupils.
