Atlas Academy, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on 22 and 23 October 2024, resulting in a commendable rating of 'Good' across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The principal, Andrew Crossley, leads the school, which is part of the Astrea Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Rowena Hackwood and a board of trustees chaired by Benjamin Brown.
The school prides itself on fostering a strong sense of community, encapsulated in its motto, 'Unity through Diversity.' This ethos is particularly evident in how the school welcomes new pupils, ensuring they feel valued and integrated into the school family, regardless of when they join. The environment is described as safe and supportive, contributing to high levels of pupil happiness and attendance. The school sets high expectations for its students, although published outcomes in national assessments remain below national averages due to high pupil mobility. However, those who stay for longer periods tend to achieve well.
Pupils at Atlas Academy respond positively to the established rules and routines, which are introduced early in their education. They demonstrate attentiveness in class and a positive attitude towards learning. Movement within the school is orderly, and pupils exhibit kindness towards one another, knowing they can rely on adults for support if needed. Instances of bullying are rare and effectively addressed by staff.
The curriculum at Atlas Academy is ambitious and tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. It is structured logically from the early years, with teachers receiving training to enhance their instructional clarity. The school provides frequent opportunities for pupils to revisit and consolidate their learning, although there are occasions when assessments of pupil understanding are not sufficiently precise, leading to mismatched work levels.
Staff are adept at identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs, adapting lessons accordingly. Most of these pupils progress alongside their peers, while a specific group receives a bespoke curriculum that caters closely to their individual needs, enabling them to make significant progress. Reading is a priority, with a well-implemented phonics programme that is consistently delivered. Staff monitor pupil progress closely, ensuring that any gaps in phonics knowledge are addressed. Pupils enjoy reading, particularly during story time, which fosters a love for literature.
Writing instruction is integrated into phonics lessons, but some pupils struggle with letter formation due to insufficient physical development and practice opportunities. The school recognizes the need to provide more support for early writers to ensure they develop the necessary skills for effective writing.
In the early years, the school quickly establishes children's starting points and implements a well-designed curriculum that promotes positive relationships between adults and children. Activities, such as community walks and creative projects, engage children and support their vocabulary development.
Attendance tracking is a priority, and the school has seen improvements since the last inspection. The majority of pupils attend regularly and on time, with ongoing efforts to reduce absenteeism further. The school collaborates with external services to provide additional support for families facing challenges.
Pupils benefit from a well-structured personal development programme that instills an understanding of British values and healthy relationships. They are educated on safety, including online safety and awareness of local risks. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, which pupils value, including art, dance, and sports.
Governance at Atlas Academy is effective, with trustees providing robust support and challenge. They are well-informed about the school and share the leadership's ambition for every pupil to succeed. Staff morale is high, with leaders considering their workload and well-being.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of checking pupil understanding during lessons and providing adequate opportunities for early writing practice. Addressing these areas will further enhance the educational experience at Atlas Academy.
