Baycroft School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 February 2024

Baycroft is a very special place. Echoing the views of so many, one pupil told the lead inspector, 'I really love this school.' Pupils feel well cared for, safe and happy. Consequently, their attendance is high. Staff invest time and energy in developing pupils' creativity, curiosity, independence, well-being and self-regulation. This helps pupils to achieve well. Strong relationships between staff and pupils help to encourage highly positive attitudes. Pupils develop secure friendships with each other. While they occasionally fall out, staff help them to resolve issues swiftly and effectively. This leads to a harmonious and calm atmosphere. Social times are a positive experience for pupils. Some enjoy playing football or using the outdoor climbing equipment, while others enjoy talking with staff and their friends. There are high expectations for pupils' learning. A well-designed curriculum is delivered effectively, which ensures that pupils receive a good quality of education. Importantly, pupils are prepared well for the future because of the knowledge and skills they learn. Many achieve several recognised qualifications. Staff are extremely successful in preparing pupils for their next steps in education, training or employment. Many pupils successfully attend college when they leave. This is supported by a high-quality careers programme.

What the school should improve

• The school's assessment arrangements do not consistently give the precise information it needs in all subjects about how well pupils are learning the curriculum. This means that the curriculum could be tailored even more to meet pupils' needs so that they achieve highly in all areas of the curriculum. The school should refine the assessment arrangements so that it can use this information to inform the curriculum further.

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