Chaigeley School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 January 2024

Pupils flourish at Chaigeley School. This is because staff have detailed knowledge of each pupil and have developed strong, caring relationships with them. Most pupils have experienced challenging times in the past. At Chaigeley, they feel valued and listened to. This helps them to feel happy and safe. All pupils have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. The school is committed to supporting every pupil to achieve their best. Staff are highly skilled at adapting the curriculum to meet pupils' individual needs. Pupils strive to meet the school's high expectations of their academic and social goals. Typically, they achieve well from their various starting points. Staff motivate and encourage pupils to try hard. They provide ongoing therapeutic support and guidance if pupils struggle with managing their own behaviour. For example, the school's therapy dog helps pupils to regulate their emotions. Pupils enjoy learning outdoors. Pushbike maintenance and engine-repair activities in the school's workshop help to improve their resilience and problem-solving skills. Pupils relish competing against other schools in sports tournaments. Such experiences nurture and encourage their interests and abilities. Pupils take part in the many enrichment activities offered by the school, such as rock climbing, fishing and skateboarding. They experience a variety of trips and outings, including visits to other countries.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, the school has not given sufficient thought to the subject-specific knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should learn and when this should happen. This means that, on occasion, pupils do not encounter learning in a logical way to help build their knowledge and understanding over time. The school should clarify the knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should learn in these subjects and the order that this should be taught.

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