St Giles' Spencer Academy, located in Chaddesden, Derby, is recognized as an outstanding school that provides exceptional education for its pupils aged 4 to 11 with complex needs. The school operates under the Spencer Academies Trust, with Kim Smith serving as the principal. The trust is overseen by CEO Paul West and a board of trustees led by Donna Kinderman. The school has a strong focus on communication and independence, fostering warm relationships between staff and pupils based on trust. This supportive environment ensures that pupils feel safe and happy, which is crucial for their learning and development.
The curriculum at St Giles' Spencer Academy is ambitious and tailored to meet the individual needs of each pupil. It includes a wide range of subjects and enrichment opportunities, alongside therapeutic interventions. The school emphasizes the importance of communication skills, reading, and language development, employing a total communication approach that utilizes various methods to support each pupil's learning. This approach allows pupils to express their choices and emotions effectively, ensuring that they have a voice in their education.
Pupils at the academy flourish both socially and academically, benefiting from a personalized curriculum that caters to their unique needs. The school provides interesting and engaging tasks that motivate pupils and reinforce their learning. Staff are well-trained in assessing pupils' progress and use this information to adapt their teaching strategies accordingly. The school also prioritizes the development of pupils' sensory needs, offering a range of activities designed to promote emotional regulation and self-control.
St Giles' Spencer Academy offers a variety of enrichment activities, including forest school, soft play, and yoga, which contribute to the holistic development of pupils. Opportunities for responsibility, such as being school councillors, further enhance their social skills and confidence. The school also organizes trips to various locations, allowing pupils to explore their interests and talents outside the classroom.
The staff at St Giles' Spencer Academy are dedicated and passionate about their work, with a strong commitment to supporting pupils and their families. They receive ample support from school leaders, who prioritize staff well-being and workload management. This positive working environment contributes to the overall effectiveness of the school.
Safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. The school has a culture of openness regarding safeguarding, which is reinforced by the strong relationships between staff and pupils. The recent inspection confirmed that the school continues to meet the high standards expected of an outstanding institution.
St Giles' Spencer Academy is a special school that caters to pupils with a range of complex needs, including autism spectrum disorder and severe learning difficulties. The school operates on two sites, with the main site focusing on early years and key stage one pupils, while the Hive provision caters to those with moderate to severe learning needs. The school does not utilize alternative providers, ensuring that all educational provisions are delivered in-house.
Overall, St Giles' Spencer Academy exemplifies excellence in education for pupils with additional needs, providing a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters growth and development. The school's commitment to high standards, effective communication, and individualized learning pathways ensures that all pupils have the opportunity to thrive.
