Draycott Moor College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 May 2025

Draycott Moor College is a small school with an enormous heart. The work of the school is underpinned by the company's values of compassion, inspiration, dependability and collaboration. Pupils all have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and have had significant challenges in previous settings. Many have been out of education for some time. Pupils thrive here because of the level of care and support they receive. Staff take time to understand pupils. They understand their needs and ambitions. This was illustrated beautifully by one pupil telling inspectors, 'I like it here because this school knows me.' Because of their social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, some pupils have struggled with their behaviour. Staff are very knowledgeable about how to help pupils understand and improve their behaviour. If any behaviour falls below the school's high expectations, staff quickly help pupils to put it right. The school is a calm, orderly and welcoming environment, full of happy, smiling staff and pupils. Pupils are keen to learn and want to succeed. Staff have high expectations of what pupils achieve and support them to overcome any difficulties. Pupils work hard to complete their work to a good standard and retain what they are taught well.

What the school should improve

• The school's approach to addressing gaps in pupils' letter formation skills is not effective. This means the accuracy and fluency of pupils' written communication are hampered or limited. The school should help teachers to improve pupils' letter formation so that their written work across the curriculum is fluent, accurate and legible.

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