North Star 240° is a special academy school located in Lawrence Weston, Bristol, catering for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs, as well as associated learning difficulties. The school has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy in January 2021, and it has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The inspection took place on 22 and 23 February 2023, and the school has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005.
The school provides a structured environment with consistent routines and high expectations, which helps pupils manage their anxieties and communication barriers. Staff members are dedicated and take pride in their work, finding fulfillment in the progress that pupils make daily. The curriculum is well-organized and engaging, encouraging pupils to work hard and strive for their best. The school also offers a relevant careers guidance curriculum, helping pupils plan their future steps effectively.
Strong relationships between staff and pupils foster a supportive atmosphere where pupils feel heard and valued. Breaktimes and lunchtimes are carefully structured to promote positive social interactions. The school embodies a caring yet ambitious ethos, with whole-school assemblies that create a sense of community focused on empathy and collective effort. Pupils feel safe to express their thoughts and discuss their achievements, and staff provide patient support to help them recognize and work towards their targets.
The leadership team, including trust leaders, plays an active role in the school's development, ensuring continuous improvement even during challenging times. They work with integrity and determination to enhance the quality of learning. Many pupils arrive with gaps in their knowledge, particularly in English and mathematics, and leaders have adapted the curriculum to prioritize essential subjects. There are robust systems in place to monitor the curriculum's quality, with teachers using detailed plans to guide their instruction.
Recent improvements in reading have been made, with a focus on promoting enjoyment and daily reading opportunities. This initiative has positively influenced pupils' perceptions of reading's importance. However, some pupils who struggle with reading do not receive the structured support necessary to catch up effectively. In mathematics, teachers design activities that deepen pupils' understanding of key vocabulary, although assessment practices in some subjects need enhancement to address misconceptions that hinder progress.
The school's personal, social, health, and economic curriculum effectively teaches pupils how to stay safe and understand critical issues, including online safety. The school collaborates with local authorities and families to support pupils who cannot attend regularly, ensuring they receive a high-quality education through alternative provisions and remote learning options.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and clear procedures in place. Staff are trained to identify and report concerns, and leaders work with external partners to provide necessary support for at-risk pupils. The school has established policies to raise awareness of issues such as sexual harassment and online abuse.
To improve further, the school must ensure that the weakest readers receive the specific support they need to catch up quickly. Additionally, assessment practices in key stage three should be refined to better align learning activities with pupils' needs. Attendance remains a focus, with efforts needed to support pupils who can attend school and ensure those who cannot still receive a quality education. Overall, North Star 240° demonstrates a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and supporting the diverse needs of its pupils.
