Endeavour Co-Operative Academy, located in Brentwood, Essex, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection, conducted on June 6 and 7, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The school serves pupils aged 4 to 19 with moderate learning difficulties, and all students have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
Pupils at Endeavour Co-Operative Academy express enjoyment in attending the school, describing it as a happy environment where strong relationships with staff foster a sense of belonging. The school is characterized by a calm atmosphere, allowing students to focus on their learning. Pupils demonstrate respect for one another and feel safe, with staff actively addressing any concerns related to bullying. The school emphasizes personal development, providing opportunities for students to engage in activities that prepare them for adult life, including visits to local organizations and participation in team sports.
The curriculum at Endeavour Co-Operative Academy is broad and designed to equip pupils with essential knowledge and skills while also promoting personal and social development. Subjects offered include horticulture, life skills, and employability skills, with a focus on preparing students for future stages in life. The curriculum is generally well-planned and sequenced, although some subjects require further refinement to ensure clarity in the component knowledge being taught. Teachers utilize assessments effectively to track pupil progress and address any underachievement promptly.
Reading is prioritized across the school, with phonics instruction provided to all year groups. The teaching of phonics follows a structured program, and staff are well-trained to deliver it. However, there are instances where books do not align well with the phonics being taught, leading to challenges for some pupils in applying their phonetic knowledge to reading. The school recognizes the need for additional support for those struggling with reading fluency.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior in lessons, demonstrating engagement and motivation to learn. The school benefits from a supportive staff team that provides timely assistance to students. Leaders prioritize personal development, offering a range of experiences that enrich learning and promote safety awareness. The school council plays an active role in decision-making, allowing pupils to voice their opinions on important matters.
The safeguarding arrangements at Endeavour Co-Operative Academy are effective, with a well-trained safeguarding team in place to address concerns promptly. Recruitment processes are robust, ensuring that safeguarding is a priority from the outset. Staff receive regular training to maintain their knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. The curriculum in certain subjects, including personal, social, and health education, lacks detail regarding the specific knowledge to be taught, which may hinder pupils' depth of understanding. Additionally, some pupils in key stage two require more opportunities to read phonetically decodable books to enhance their reading skills. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that phonics instruction is matched with appropriate reading materials to support all pupils in becoming fluent readers.
Overall, Endeavour Co-Operative Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a focus on personal development and academic achievement. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address areas for growth in the future.
