A Solihull school for autistic pupils and those with mental health needs is navigating a path to improvement following serious allegations of teacher bullying and a critical first Ofsted inspection.
New Leadership Drives Change
The Heights Academy on Auckland Drive in Smith's Wood, which opened in September 2023, is now under the guidance of a new headteacher. Lisa Walker, described as an experienced special school leader, joined in September 2025 after the previous head resigned.
Jane Sowerby, Solihull Council's assistant director for education and inclusion, told the council's children's service and education scrutiny board that the new head is "making a real positive difference." She confirmed the school's leadership is working effectively with the local authority, though she cautioned that not all necessary improvements have yet been made.
Addressing Past Concerns and Ofsted Verdict
The school's challenges came to light last year when concerned parents formed a WhatsApp group to share issues. Allegations included claims that staff had bullied children, struggled to handle pupil meltdowns, and that a pupil had once left the school site unsupervised.
The Forward Education Trust, which runs the academy, launched an independent investigation into these claims. The school's first Ofsted inspection in May 2025 judged it as "requires improvement" in all areas, though safeguarding was deemed adequate. Inspectors noted that relationships with parents were not always positive.
Ongoing Challenges and Support
Officers reported several ongoing hurdles. Attendance currently stands at 74.7%, with some children absent due to anxiety linked to past incidents. The school and council are working with these families to provide education and find new placements where appropriate.
A key staffing issue has been securing a permanent Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo), forcing the headteacher to take on extra workload. However, the board heard the appointment of a permanent SENCo is now "imminent."
Council leader Karen Grinsell and the education officer are scheduled to visit the school this month to offer support. Ms Sowerby concluded that "the school needs is support from us to continue its improvement journey." The scrutiny board's chairman, Councillor Andrew Burrow, expressed his approval of the leader's planned visit.
The board later moved the meeting into a private session due to the sensitivity of the situation and the small number of pupils at the school.
