Pennine View School, located in Conisbrough, Doncaster, is a special academy that has recently undergone an inspection on June 11 and 12, 2024. The school has received an overall effectiveness rating of good, marking a significant improvement from its previous inspection grade of requires improvement. The headteacher, Carl Cousins, leads the school, which is part of the Nexus Multi-Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Warren Carratt and a board of trustees chaired by Andy Child MBE.
The school fosters a positive environment where pupils and staff engage in learning, play, and collaboration. Strong relationships between staff and pupils are evident, creating a calm and supportive atmosphere conducive to learning. Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for attending school, motivated by their curiosity and the desire to connect with friends. The behavior within the school is orderly, with support readily available for those who need it.
Pennine View School offers a diverse curriculum that encompasses a wide range of subjects, reflecting the high aspirations that staff hold for their pupils. The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils experience success and are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The school also provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, theatre clubs, and trips, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. Pupils have a voice in school decisions, exemplified by their request for a school dog, which has been implemented.
The school has made strides in refining its curriculum, breaking it down into manageable steps to enhance learning. For instance, in mathematics, pupils learn foundational concepts before progressing to more complex problems. Teachers effectively connect lessons to real-life scenarios, which aids in pupil engagement. However, the new curriculum is still in the early stages of implementation, and the full benefits are yet to be realized.
A systematic phonics program is in place to support early reading development, with staff receiving regular training to ensure effective delivery. Pupils actively participate in phonics sessions and utilize their skills to tackle unfamiliar words. The school library offers a diverse selection of texts that enrich the curriculum, allowing pupils to explore various themes and cultures.
Positive relationships and a focus on mental well-being are integral to the school’s ethos. Educational visits enhance learning experiences, allowing pupils to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Lunchtime clubs and enrichment activities foster a sense of community and engagement among pupils.
All pupils at Pennine View School have an educational, health, and care plan, and staff are well-acquainted with their individual needs. The school promotes a belief in the potential of each pupil, instilling a positive mindset. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in aligning individual support plans with the targets outlined in EHC plans to ensure precise educational provision.
The school maintains a strong focus on safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place. The partnership between the school and the Nexus Multi-Academy Trust is collaborative, with shared educational values guiding decision-making. The trust provides both challenge and support to school leaders, fostering an environment of accountability and continuous improvement.
To further enhance its effectiveness, the school should continue to embed the revised curriculum and ensure that individual support plans are closely aligned with EHC plan targets. This will help to solidify pupils' understanding of key subject knowledge and improve the overall educational experience. The school is committed to ongoing development and improvement, ensuring that it meets the needs of all its pupils effectively.
