Ash Field Academy, Leicester

What is it like to attend this school?

Ash Field Academy is an inspirational school. All pupils at the school have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They face considerable barriers to their learning and development. Staff are highly skilled in helping pupils and students in the sixth form to meet these challenges with confidence. As a result, pupils flourish. One student said: 'When I leave, I want to go to residential college alongside other people with disabilities. Having the confidence to be able to come out of the protective bubble of Ash Field and explore the world takes willpower. Thank you to Ash Field for helping me come out of the bubble.'

There are high expectations for pupils' achievement. All pupils achieve exceptionally well from their starting points.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Most pupils and students in the sixth form have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. There are three pathways that pupils may travel on once they have completed the 'Early Primary' stage. Staff have clearly identified the key knowledge they want pupils to know, and the skills they want them to learn in each pathway. Pupils experience a highly personalised curriculum in all pathways, which seamlessly blends therapeutic and academic approaches.

Staff carefully consider what is set out in EHC plans when designing lesson activities for each pupil, including children in the early years and sixth form. They skilfully teach the curriculum. The school provides opportunities for pupils to attend lessons across different pathways within school, and at a local secondary school where appropriate. No limit is set on what can be achieved.

Leadership & management.

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