Glendinning Academy, located in Newton Abbot, Devon, is a special school catering for pupils with communication and interaction needs. The school opened in September 2020 and is part of the Wave Academy Trust. It has experienced significant growth, expanding its classes and staff since its inception. The recent inspection conducted on July 3 and 4, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
The atmosphere at Glendinning Academy is calm and productive, with staff providing the necessary care and support for pupils to overcome challenges. High expectations from staff lead to commendable pupil achievements. Pupils exhibit good behavior, understanding the school's values and respecting each other's differences. They express a strong sense of belonging, which contributes to their happiness and regular attendance. The school promotes active participation in various extracurricular activities, enhancing pupils' skills and confidence in areas such as outdoor education, music, and sports.
The principal's passionate leadership is evident in the ambitious and well-planned curriculum. Leaders carefully consider the knowledge required in each subject, allowing pupils to engage in a broad range of national curriculum subjects. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in establishing effective assessment systems to track pupils' retention of key knowledge. This inconsistency in recalling prior learning can hinder progress in certain subjects.
Reading is prioritized as a fundamental aspect of education at Glendinning Academy. Pupils begin phonics early, and staff receive training to effectively teach early reading. Additional support is provided for pupils who struggle, ensuring they develop their reading skills. Personal, social, and health education is integrated throughout the curriculum, focusing on relationships, safety, and well-being. Older pupils demonstrate an understanding of personal safety, and staff encourage self-expression and the celebration of differences.
Pupils are taught to manage their behavior from the outset, with staff adept at recognizing changes in demeanor and responding with sensitivity. The nurturing environment is evident from the warm greetings pupils receive upon arrival. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the supportive team spirit within the school. Trustees actively monitor the quality of education and care, holding leaders accountable for their performance.
While many parents express satisfaction with the school's offerings, some have raised concerns regarding staffing changes and their impact on their children's education. The school acknowledges these concerns and is working to strengthen communication with parents to address any issues promptly.
The safeguarding arrangements at Glendinning Academy are effective, with leaders prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff are well-informed about safeguarding protocols, enabling them to recognize and report any concerns. The curriculum also raises awareness of safeguarding risks, ensuring pupils are educated about their safety.
In summary, Glendinning Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for pupils with communication and interaction needs. While the school excels in many areas, it recognizes the need for improvement in assessment practices and parent engagement to further enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
