The Martin Bacon Academy, located in Northstowe, Cambridgeshire, has recently undergone its first inspection since opening. The inspection took place on 22 and 23 October 2024, and the school received outstanding ratings across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The headteacher, Sarah Louise, leads the school, which is part of the Meridian Trust, overseen by CEO Mark Woods and chaired by Shirley Jamieson.
The school is designed to cater to pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities, including multiple learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, autism, and multi-sensory impairments. Each pupil has an education, health, and care plan, ensuring that their individual needs are met. The curriculum is well-structured, providing clear pathways for each learning stage and subject, which allows staff to implement it effectively. This collaborative approach ensures that all staff are aligned in their teaching objectives, maximizing learning opportunities for pupils.
At the Martin Bacon Academy, staff focus on identifying and celebrating each pupil's unique strengths, referred to as their superpowers. This positive reinforcement makes learning engaging and enjoyable, fostering a sense of pride among pupils. The school emphasizes high expectations, tailoring teaching to meet individual needs, which has resulted in exceptional progress for pupils from their starting points. Familiar routines help build self-confidence and understanding of school expectations, contributing to a calm and orderly environment where pupils behave well and develop important social skills.
The school prioritizes effective communication, utilizing visual boards, photos, and sign language to support pupils' needs. A strong emphasis is placed on reading, with a phonics program customized to meet the diverse needs of pupils. This approach not only helps pupils learn to read but also instills a love for books, enhancing their comprehension skills over time.
Pupils are also prepared for their future careers through bespoke learning experiences, including work experience opportunities. The close collaboration with a local secondary school ensures that pupils who can achieve GCSEs receive appropriate content and support. The school's personal development provision is well-designed, teaching essential life skills such as cooking and safe travel, while also promoting online safety and community awareness.
The leadership team at the Martin Bacon Academy is ambitious for both pupils and staff, working closely with the trust and local governors to provide effective oversight. Staff involvement in shaping development plans ensures that improving pupils' skills remains a top priority. Efforts to reduce staff workload have been successful, contributing to their well-being and effectiveness in the classroom.
The school has also established a specialist provision at a local secondary school, fostering a strong relationship that benefits pupils with special educational needs. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all pupils.
Overall, the Martin Bacon Academy exemplifies excellence in education for pupils with special educational needs, providing a nurturing and engaging learning environment that promotes exceptional progress and personal development. The school's commitment to high standards, tailored support, and a collaborative approach to education sets a strong foundation for the future success of its pupils.
