Abbey View

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 May 2024

Pupils receive effective pastoral support. Staff support pupils to learn the importance of following the school rules and respect one another and themselves. In time, this helps most pupils reintegrate back into their home secondary school or transfer to college or employment. Nonetheless, there are weaknesses in the quality of education that pupils receive. Teaching is not tailored to pupils' needs closely enough, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff supervise pupils well at social times. Pupils enjoy 'chilling out' in the common room and playing games, such as table tennis. Pupils learn about keeping safe online, managing money and healthy relationships. Pupils talk openly with staff about any concerns or worries they have. The wider curriculum broadens pupils' horizons well. For example, pupils visit sculpture parks and a regional film festival and complete community art projects. Pupils learn how to box, play golf, garden and cook. Weekly visits to the youth centre are a highlight for many. Pupils on long-term placements report that behaviour at the school is improving. Many pupils appreciate the ongoing praise they receive. However, low-level disruption in some lessons and incidents of poor behaviour are still prevalent. When bullying happens, staff follow this up appropriately.

What the school should improve

• Work to revamp the school's curriculum is not yet complete. Pupils do not learn the core curriculum consistently well. The school must ensure that the school's curriculum supports pupils to learn the English, mathematics and science curriculums successfully.
• There are weaknnesses in how well staff check what pupils know and remember. Pupils' misconceptions are not addressed when they arise, so teaching does not deepen pupils' understanding over time. The school must ensure that staff's use of assessment is strong, so that pupils progress through the curriculum successfully.
• The school does not challenge pupils' non-attendance stringently. Some pupils' attendance is showing decline. The trust must ensure that leaders are doing everything they can to ensure and assure themselves that pupils attend well.
• While suspensions are decreasing overall, incidences of suspensions because of disrespectful behaviour and offensive language are still too prevalent. Pupils miss far too much learning time as a result. The school and trust must ensure that pupils understand the importance of respecting others.
• There are weaknesses in the education that pupils with SEND receive. Pupils' specific targets to help them learn are too broad or staff do not take these into account when planning their teaching. Some pupils refuse to accept the support in place to remedy gaps in their learning. Senior leaders do not have sufficient oversight of this. The school must ensure that all pupils with SEND receive a consistently good quality of education.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)