Downland School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 October 2024

The welfare of pupils and their families is at the heart of Downland. The school provides a calm and nurturing environment where pupils attend regularly. Many pupils have arrived from disrupted placements elsewhere. They describe how the school has a 'fresh start culture.' Pupils appreciate how staff see beyond their special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), which allows them to flourish. Pupils experience success because staff understand the individual needs of pupils well and have high expectations of them. They place high importance on the curriculum, which includes an individualised therapeutic approach. The school weaves the core skills of reading, writing and mathematics throughout the curriculum. However, the school is aware that pupils are not yet able to demonstrate their knowledge in their written work across other subjects. The school has high expectations for pupils' behaviour. Pupils and staff follow the school's approach to behaviour known as the 'Downland Way.' As a result, pupils behave well in lessons and in social situations. When pupils struggle with their emotions, staff take effective and supportive action, enabling pupils to re-engage with their learning quickly. Pupils know they have a voice. Excellent pastoral support and positive relationships with adults mean pupils feel valued.

What the school should improve

• Writing is not well developed across the curriculum as pupils are not always given sufficient opportunities to write at length. As a result, pupils do not fully demonstrate what they have learned in their written work. The school should take action to ensure that pupils develop their writing across all areas of the curriculum.

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