The Fitzroy Academy

School progress monitoring inspection report

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The Fitzroy Academy Cruckton, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 8PR

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), 2(1)(a), 2(1)(b), 2(1)(b)(i)  At the time of the previous monitoring inspection in September 2023, the school had begun taking steps to improve the quality of the curriculum. These steps had included the school adopting new schemes of work in most subjects. However, the school’s revised curriculum was in the very early stages of implementation. Staff had not taught much of the new content. Teachers’ work to check the impact of the curriculum was not fully embedded.  Since that time, the school has sustained its focus on improving the quality of education that pupils receive. Teachers teach subject-specific content in a logical order over time. Pupils benefit from daily mathematics and English lessons that help them to build their knowledge in small chunks, incrementally. Those at the early stages of learning to read also benefit from daily phonics lessons. In other subjects too, the curriculum is suitably

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Main inspection findings

ambitious. This includes pupils learning information and vocabulary that helps them to understand subject-specific concepts and ideas. All this means that pupils make progress through the curriculum. They are beginning to know more and remember more over time.  Staff have a secure understanding of pupils’ needs and accurately identify their starting points in the curriculum. Some pupils have very complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Adults understand these needs well and work hard to meet them. They make useful adaptions to ensure that all pupils access the curriculum. For example, staff implement specific strategies, using signs, symbols and gestures, to help non-verbal pupils engage with learning.  The school’s approach to checking what pupils know and remember is now well embedded. Adults make more precise checks on how securely pupils understand subject- specific content. This provides teachers with useful information about pupils’ progress

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Main inspection findings

through the curriculum. Teachers now use this information more effectively, to identify and address any gaps in pupils’ learning.  The school has implemented its revised approach to providing careers education. Pupils are provided with many practical opportunities to develop their knowledge of the world of work. For instance, they regularly take part in enterprise projects that stimulate their aspirations for the future.  The independent school standards (the standards) in this part are now met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraphs 7, 7(a), 7(b) and Part 6 paragraph 32(1)(c)  The school’s safeguarding policy takes into account the most recent statutory guidance and is published on the school’s website.  The school has a strong safeguarding culture. Staff are aware of the additional vulnerabilities of pupils in their care. They demonstrate high levels of vigilance and are alert to signs that a pupil may need help. Adults know what to do if they are concerned

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Main inspection findings

about a pupil and they report matters quickly. Leaders work well with external agencies when necessary, to ensure that pupils receive the support that they need.  These standards continue to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraphs 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b)  At the time of the last progress monitoring inspection, the school had begun taking steps to address the previously unmet standards. Leaders had introduced a new curriculum that was well planned and sequenced. These changes were starting to make a positive difference, but new initiatives were not fully embedded. The school was not able to demonstrate that the standards were consistently met.  Since this time, leaders have successfully maintained their focus on improving the quality of education. They have implemented a well-considered school action plan and made regular checks on the impact of these actions. This has included leaders ensuring that

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Main inspection findings

the planned curriculum is taught, and that staff have the expertise to implement the curriculum well. In addition, the school’s work to monitor the impact that the curriculum has on pupils’ learning is now well established.  The standards in this part are now met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan that fulfils the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school meets the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 ('the independent school standards') and associated requirements that were checked during this inspection. This included the standards and requirements that the school was judged to not comply with at the previous inspection. Not all of the standards and associated requirements were checked during this inspection.

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub- paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently

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School details

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school's suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

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School details

Type of school Other Independent special school

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School details

School status Independent residential special school

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School details

Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed

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School details

Annual fees (day pupils) £58,500 to £70,200

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School details

Website www.reflexionseducation.org.uk/the-fitzroy- academy/ Email address lydia.swinton@newreflexions.co.uk

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School details

Date of previous standard inspection 31 January to 2 February 2023

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Information about this school

 The Fitzroy Academy is an independent residential special school that caters for pupils with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities including autism, learning disabilities, and associated social, emotional, mental health needs. Most pupils have an education, health and care plan.  The school is registered to admit up to 40 pupils.  The school does not use alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was carried out at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. The purpose of the inspection was to monitor the progress the school has made in meeting the independent school standards and other requirements that it was judged to not comply with at its previous progress monitoring inspection in September 2023.  This was the second progress monitoring inspection since the standard inspection that took place between 31 January to 2 February 2023.  After the previous inspection, the Department for Education required the school to prepare an action plan. This action plan was judged to be acceptable on 28 November 2023.  The inspector held discussions with the headteacher and the chair of the proprietor board, to review the progress made against the previously unmet independent school standards.  The inspector reviewed a range of documents, including curriculum policies and schemes

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Information about this inspection

of work. He also visited lessons and reviewed samples of pupils’ work.  The inspector held informal conversations with pupils during lesson visits. He also spoke to staff who teach the curriculum.  The inspector held a meeting with the leader responsible for safeguarding. He also reviewed the single central record of checks made about the suitability of adults.  This inspection was conducted without notice.

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Inspection team

Jonathan Leonard, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector guidance 'Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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