Calthorpe Academy, located in Birmingham, is recognized as a good school following its recent inspection from October 4 to 5, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher Mounir Meghalsi, the school is part of the Thrive Education Partnership, which involves shared responsibilities among various stakeholders, including CEO Richard Chapman and chair Julia Davey. The school is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring that these needs do not hinder their achievements or enjoyment of school life.
The school serves a diverse community of pupils with a wide range of complex needs. From the moment pupils arrive, the school collaborates with families and specialist services to identify and address individual needs, ensuring that appropriate support is provided. The relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by calmness and care, with staff responding swiftly to any additional support required. This proactive approach helps to mitigate challenging behaviors, resulting in a settled and purposeful atmosphere throughout the school.
Calthorpe Academy prioritizes preparing pupils for life in modern Birmingham. Pupils engage in various community activities, such as visits to soft play centers and shops, which serve as opportunities to practice essential communication and independence skills. This focus on real-world experiences fosters a sense of pride among pupils for their school and city.
The school demonstrates high ambition for pupil learning, with a curriculum that emphasizes communication, reading, mathematics, personal, social, health education, and physical development. While some subjects are still being developed, the school is actively working to enhance these areas. Staff are committed to understanding the diverse SEND of their pupils, employing various therapeutic interventions to overcome potential learning barriers. The curriculum pathway model allows pupils to learn alongside peers with similar needs, ensuring that they receive tailored support.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. When pupils transition between curriculum pathways, they are not always adequately prepared for the new challenges, which can slow their learning. The school is encouraged to ensure that critical curriculum content is prioritized during these transitions to better equip pupils for their new learning environments.
Calthorpe Academy places a strong emphasis on literacy, with a commitment to ensuring that every pupil learns to read and develops a love for books. Staff work diligently to support pupils at different stages of readiness for phonics, fostering an environment where reading is enjoyable and accessible. This dedication has led many pupils to become fluent readers who take pride in their reading abilities.
The school environment is calm and conducive to learning, with staff responding promptly to any behavioral issues that may arise. The school's understanding of sensory processing disorders is a notable strength, as it implements supportive measures to help pupils feel at ease. Opportunities for community engagement and work-related learning are integrated into the curriculum, preparing pupils for future employment and education.
Staff at Calthorpe Academy express appreciation for the support they receive regarding their well-being, noting that leaders prioritize manageable workloads and foster a culture of mutual respect. The school is well-led and managed, contributing to a positive working environment.
Overall, Calthorpe Academy continues to provide a good education for its pupils, with effective safeguarding arrangements in place. The school is committed to ongoing improvement and is focused on ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
