Yeoman Park Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Pupils make outstanding progress, particularly in communication skills.

This means that they are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education or training. The majority of pupils make outstanding progress in literacy, numeracy and science. They apply what they have learned in these subjects throughout the school day and this enables them to make remarkable achievements in personal and social development.

The sixth form is outstanding and students make exceptionally good progress here because they spend an increasing amount of time developing their independence and applying their skills in an adult situation. O...ther adults make an exceptional contribution to pupils' outstanding progress. Teaching is outstanding and this has been maintained since the last inspection.

Teachers pinpoint exactly what each pupil needs to learn next and they plan activities meticulously so that pupils make rapid progress at all times. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding. Learning is rarely affected by disruptive behaviour.

Pupils feel very safe and secure and well cared for. The school's outstanding partnership with parents contributes significantly to the achievement of pupils. This means that very young children get off to an excellent start.

The plans made for pupils are innovative and very well considered. They are enriched by a wide variety of visitors and different experiences in other locations. The executive headteacher is very ambitious for the achievement of the pupils.

Management of the quality of teaching is highly effective and this has meant that pupils have made ever-increasing progress since the last inspection. The governing body makes an excellent contribution to the leadership of the school. It understands clearly what is happening in school and makes decisions based on the first-hand knowledge it gathers.

Information about this school

Approximately one quarter of pupils have profound and multiple learning difficulties some of whom have complex medical conditions. The rest of the population have severe learning difficulties or autism or a combination of both. The vast majority of pupils are of White British origin and the majority are boys.

All pupils have a statement of special educational needs. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is well below the national average. The number of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is average.

The proportions of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium, additional funding for looked-after children, pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and those from service families, are well above average. The sixth form students attend lessons on the site of Phoenix, Bay 6 and Portland College alternative providers. The school entered into a hard federation with a neighbouring special school in September 2010 when the headteacher of this school became executive headteacher of both schools.