Continu Plus Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Supportive relationships and high expectations lie at the heart of this inspirational school.'

We will work it out' is more than a school motto. This is a community that works out what is best for the pupils and strives to achieve it.

Pupils join ContinU Plus Academy (CPA) because of previous difficult school experiences.

Many have had long periods away from school. Most have faced periods of suspension or exclusion from previous schools. Consequently, many bring with them some challenging behaviours.

However, caring staff who know the pupils well and an outstanding provision mean that unwanted behaviour rarely affects their or others' learning.
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Leaders and staff work as an excellent team to go 'above and beyond' for their pupils. Outdoor education, fishing, caving and volunteering in soup kitchens are just some powerful opportunities provided.

Rewards such as shopping vouchers inspire high attendance and engagement in lessons. Visits from motivational speakers and international music superstars inspire pupils to make the right decisions for their lives.

Pupils know that bullying can happen, but they are confident that staff will deal with it.

Pupils told inspectors that they know staff 'have got their backs'. Inspectors absolutely agree.

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

The headteacher, supported by a strong leadership team, provides inspirational leadership to this school.

There is a quiet determination that all pupils will learn and experience memorable and life-changing experiences. High expectations drive the school's work, and staff and pupils rise to these expectations. All involved in this community are proud of what they have achieved and what is now possible for the future.

Leaders have created a curriculum that helps pupils to learn and remember new things and to overcome the barriers they have experienced in the past. Mathematics and subjects such as English and art build on what the pupils have remembered in their previous education settings, whatever that might be. Every lesson is carefully implemented so that pupils experience challenge and success.

As a result, pupils are confident to talk about what they have learned and are excited by new challenges. The use of off-site alternative provision enhances the curriculum. Pupils access learning and qualifications in horse-riding or hair and beauty.

Reading is appropriately prioritised for all pupils. Many pupils, when they join the school, are not able to read confidently and see little enjoyment or purpose in doing so. Leaders and staff carefully utilise everyday opportunities to develop these reading skills.

Mid-morning brunch, for example, allows staff and pupils to read the daily papers together. In subjects such as science or food technology, pupils are encouraged and supported to read. When pupils need specific help, catch-up sessions are provided by skilled and well-trained staff.

When pupils start at ContinU Plus, full information about their needs is not always provided to the school. Leaders overcome this barrier by quickly assessing pupils' needs. Annual and termly reports focus on what the pupil has learned, remembers and can do.

When the time is right, leaders work closely with the new school, college or employer to support the next steps. Consequently, nearly all progress to employment, training or education.

For those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), CPA offers understanding and hope.

For many pupils, the reason why they have previously found learning difficult has never been fully identified. At CPA, leaders act quickly to identify what these needs might be. Educational psychologists, speech and language therapists and specialist learning mentors work with staff to precisely assess the need and identify appropriate provision.

All pupils with SEND experience the same ambition and opportunities as all other pupils.

Personal development is exemplary. All pupils experience a curriculum that builds their knowledge and skills to help them to become positive citizens.

Pupils are respectful and kind to each other. They often support and encourage each other. They know what they need to do to keep themselves safe.

For example, all pupils will leave with qualifications in the awareness of misuse of drugs and alcohol and in health and well-being. An impressive range of educational visits to places such as a beach, places of worship or the school's own outdoor education centre widens pupils' view of the world.

The new sixth-form provision provides vital support for those excluded from mainstream schools in Year 11.

Leaders expect students to get the same high quality of education as younger pupils. This expectation is realised. Lessons are carefully designed to ensure that students have the necessary skills, knowledge and qualifications to progress to the course or job they want.

All students are very well prepared for their next steps. All pupils, including students in the sixth form, receive appropriate careers advice and guidance.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Clear policies and regular training mean all staff know how to act when they are concerned about a pupil. When they are worried about a pupil's welfare, they act quickly to raise concerns. Leaders investigate these concerns to make sure the pupil is safe.

The safeguarding curriculum is exemplary. This is a school where pupils rightly feel safe. Recently, when a group of pupils had been at risk of knife crime, leaders acted swiftly to dedicate a whole week of lessons to promote awareness of keeping safe in the community.