Springwell Leeds Academy, located on Middleton Road in Leeds, is a special academy that provides education for pupils aged five to sixteen with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The school opened in 2016 and has rapidly expanded, now operating across four sites in Leeds. The academy caters to a diverse student body, with a significant proportion coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. All pupils at the school have an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan, which outlines their specific educational needs.
The recent inspection, conducted in June 2019, rated the overall effectiveness of the school as good. The leadership and management of the school were also rated as good, reflecting the strong vision established by leaders to promote the well-being and achievement of pupils. Staff members embody this vision in their daily interactions with students, fostering positive relationships that contribute to a supportive learning environment. Pupils respond well to staff, developing effective personal and social skills while achieving commendable academic progress.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment at Springwell Leeds Academy is good. Teachers demonstrate a thorough understanding of their pupils' needs and create engaging lessons that motivate students. The curriculum is tailored to meet the diverse needs of pupils, with an increasing range of accredited courses being offered. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the planning of foundation subjects, where curriculum plans are not as robust as those in core subjects like English and mathematics.
Pupils' personal development, behavior, and welfare are also rated as good. The school has implemented effective behavior management systems that help most pupils manage their behavior positively. Attendance has shown improvement, although some pupils still struggle to attend regularly. The school provides comprehensive careers guidance, enabling pupils to make informed choices about their future education and training.
Despite the overall positive findings, the inspection identified several areas for further improvement. These include enhancing the quality of teaching by ensuring that pupils are consistently challenged and that learning activities are sequenced effectively. Additionally, there is a need to develop the skills of middle leaders to refine curriculum plans further and to address attendance issues more effectively.
The governance of the school is strong, with governors actively supporting and challenging school leaders to ensure high standards are maintained. They have a clear understanding of the school's performance and work collaboratively with the trust to drive improvements. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils are kept safe and supported throughout their education.
In summary, Springwell Leeds Academy is a good school that has made significant strides in providing quality education for its pupils. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, and with targeted efforts in specific areas, the school is well-positioned to enhance its effectiveness further. The positive relationships between staff and pupils, along with a tailored curriculum, contribute to a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally.
