Bennerley Fields School, located in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, is a special academy school catering for pupils aged two to sixteen with complex needs, including moderate and severe learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, and social, emotional, and mental health needs. The school was inspected on January 17 and 18, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school became an academy in 2018, following a period of exemption from routine inspections.
Pupils express high levels of satisfaction with their school experience, highlighting the caring and supportive nature of the staff. Parents and carers appreciate the expert assistance provided by the school, with many noting the empathetic and holistic approach taken by the staff to ensure a positive learning environment. The school fosters a sense of safety among pupils, who feel secure and supported in their interactions with peers and adults. Leaders at the school have established high expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to understand and engage positively with one another and the wider community.
The curriculum, known as the Beyond Bennerley curriculum, is designed to meet the individual needs of pupils and prepares them for future learning and adult life. Staff are dedicated to helping pupils communicate their needs effectively and are knowledgeable about the factors that may cause distress, allowing for timely interventions. The school promotes respectful behavior, with pupils demonstrating politeness and a welcoming attitude towards visitors. There is a strong emphasis on anti-bullying, with pupils confident that any incidents would be addressed promptly by staff.
While the school has made significant strides in curriculum development, there are areas for improvement. Leaders have recently redesigned the curriculum to better align with pupils' needs, but in some subjects, the identification of key knowledge required for learning is not sufficiently precise. This can hinder the depth of understanding that pupils achieve over time. Additionally, although a new assessment system has been implemented to enhance the feedback process, there are instances where targets set for pupils lack the necessary clarity to effectively guide their progress.
The informal curriculum offers valuable learning opportunities, particularly in outdoor settings, which contribute to pupils' confidence and teamwork skills. The school prioritizes reading, employing various strategies to engage pupils with literature and phonics, ensuring that they develop into confident readers. Therapeutic support is also available for those who need it, addressing interaction, communication, and mental health needs.
Personal development is a strong focus, with pupils participating in community events and enterprise projects, as well as receiving quality careers advice. The school promotes understanding of different cultures and values diversity, teaching pupils about democracy and the importance of having a voice in school governance.
Staff morale is high, with educators feeling valued and supported by school leaders, who are attentive to their well-being and workload. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns promptly. The school maintains a strong culture of safeguarding, ensuring that pupils are educated about safety, both online and in their local community.
To enhance the educational experience further, leaders need to clearly define the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire in all subjects and fully embed a coherent assessment system that aligns with the curriculum and individual education plans. This will ensure that all pupils can achieve their full potential and develop a secure understanding of their learning.
