Chilworth House Upper School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 April 2024

Pupils flourish at this inclusive school, which they describe as a 'massive family'. They appreciate the difference that the school has made to them. Leaders' expectations encourage pupils to have aspirations for their future career goals and many leave with the skills and qualification they need to be successful. Adults combine high expectations with warmth and understanding so that pupils feel happy and safe. They anticipate when pupils might struggle and make every effort to avoid such scenarios. All pupils have a 'safe space' in the school environment which they have chosen. Pupils make use of these spaces, while staff then support them to get back to learning quickly. As a result, most pupils' behaviour improves the longer they are at the school. One parent summing of the views of others stated, 'the strong trusted relationships with adults at the school have helped my child express their emotions in a more positive way'. Leaders have created a range of opportunities alongside the curriculum to develop pupils' talents and interests. Whether tending the goats or chickens in the farm area or learning to cook onion bhajis in the food tech room, pupils are guided expertly, building their resilience and interpersonal skills.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes staff do not deliver the curriculum as intended, with activity choices and explanations not supporting pupils' learning as well as they could. This can lead to some disengagement from learning and pupils not learning consistently well enough. The school should ensure that teachers have the knowledge and skill to deliver the planned curriculum consistently well.

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