Evergreen Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school This pupil referral unit (PRU) is very well led.

The executive headteacher has established an ambitious vision for all pupils and staff. Senior leaders and their staff work very hard with each pupil to help modify behaviour. The PRU has a welcoming, orderly and calm ethos.

Pupils feel safe and happy. Regular routines help pupils to settle in well and frequent communication between staff ensures that any problems are dealt with quickly. Staff spend considerable time assessing pupils' different needs as they arrive.

A well-organised programme of intervention, including work with individuals and groups, helps pupils to overcome many... of their difficulties. Very positive relationships in the PRU foster optimistic attitudes and confidence in pupils. With excellent care, this leads to pupils' outstanding social and emotional development.

Pupils' conduct is usually good. Attendance rates are very high. Teaching is good because it is grounded in these strong relationships.

Staff know their pupils very well and help them experience success. Occasionally, the work set for pupils lacks relevance or is too easy. A few staff lack specialist subject knowledge.

Pupils are taught the subjects of the national curriculum. Effective planning helps fill gaps in pupils' knowledge in the core subjects of reading, writing and mathematics. Alongside classroom-based learning, pupils benefit from a wealth of imaginative and interesting extra-curricular activities, which help raise aspirations of what pupils can achieve.

Staff work effectively with other schools and agencies. Many pupils are vulnerable and need extensive support from a range of sources, which is coordinated well. Regular liaison with parents and carers encourages an integrated approach to improving pupils' behaviour.

Most parents and carers are very pleased with the progress made by pupils. Governance is very effective. The local governing body provides robust challenge and support to school leaders.

It discharges its statutory responsibilities well. The PRU receives very good support from Northern House Academy Trust, of which it is a member. The trust has ensured effective leadership, provided relevant training and monitors progress closely.

Information about this school

Northern House School (Primary) PRU is a specialist alternative provision for pupils who have been, or are at risk of being, permanently excluded from their mainstream school. There are more boys than girls. The majority of pupils are White British.

The PRU is for boys and girls aged between five and 11 years. It shares a campus with Northern House School (City of Wolverhampton), which is a specialist school for pupils with SEMH difficulties aged between 5 and 16. It is part of the Northern House Academy Trust, which is overseen by a group of trustees.

The trustees delegate day-to-day responsibility for governance to a local governing body. Most pupils at the PRU have SEMH difficulties. Pupils who already have an education, health and care plan do not attend the PRU unless it is for a short-term stay.

The PRU is very small, although the number on roll varies throughout the year. During 2018/19, 41 pupils were taught at the PRU for part or all of the school year. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is very high.