Ofsted praises City of Peterborough Academy Special School
Ofsted inspectors have confirmed the strength of City of Peterborough Academy Special School – rating it Good overall and praising it across the board.
The Special School opened in 2012 and provides education for 104 pupils from ages four to 16. It specialises in supporting children and young people who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), linked to their diagnosis of autism.
The Ofsted report says that the academy, sponsored by Greenwood Academies Trust, has numerous strengths, ranging from high-quality teaching, a new leadership team which is driving forward improvements, positive academic outcomes and progress for students, and good behaviour of students.
Ofsted also said that the school’s safeguarding procedures are strong and that the “well thought out” curriculum meets the needs of higher attaining pupils who have autistic spectrum disorder, while the broad range of subjects also suits the needs of lower attaining pupils. There is good support from healthcare professionals and from speech and language therapists to take account of the various needs of pupils. The report adds that there is a wide range of after-school clubs, sports and visits, and that pupils’ confidence and self-reliance is enhanced through their forest school work.
Tracey Ydlibi, Principal of City of Peterborough Academy Special School, said:
“This excellent report is a real team effort and a reflection of the dedicated, hard-working and talented team of staff we are so lucky to have here at City of Peterborough Academy Special School, and I would like to thank our parents for their continued support.”
“We work hard every day to support our children and young people, and have the highest aspirations for them – we are determined that they get the best out of life. We look forward to building on this over the coming weeks and months, on our journey to Outstanding.”
Wayne Norrie, Chief Executive of Greenwood Academies Trust, said:
“We are delighted that Ofsted has confirmed that City of Peterborough Academy Special School is a Good school. Greenwood Academies Trust is a fully inclusive organisation, working for all children and young people. This report underlines our commitment to providing high-needs pupils with excellent special education.”