Edgewood School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 March 2025

Pupils come first at Edgewood School. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong. Staff get to know pupils well. They spend time identifying pupils' likes and dislikes. They provide consistent kindness and care that enable pupils to thrive. In the past many pupils have had negative experiences of education in previous school settings. Now they are learning that school can be a safe and happy place. The school has high expectations for pupils. Over time, pupils have responded increasingly well to these expectations. Pupils' behaviour has improved. When they become frustrated or upset, staff know the best ways to help them to overcome the difficulties they experience. As a result, pupils are more able to cope with the demands of the school day. Pupils understand that there are rules in school to keep everyone safe. They enjoy receiving rewards on 'feel good Friday', when staff acknowledge their hard work and the good choices they have made. Pupils respond well to the individualised approach the school takes to recognise their good behaviour. They are excited to earn tokens to save up for a favourite toy or a movie afternoon. Pupils are learning to be polite and supportive of one another. They are proud of their school. They know that each of them is an important part of the Edgewood School community.

What the school should improve

• The school has not ensured that some staff have to the knowledge and expertise to deliver the phonics programme. As a result, pupils do not acquire a knowledge of the phonics code and learn to read as quickly as they could. The school should ensure that staff have the knowledge and skill they need to effectively teach those pupils in the earliest stages of learning to read.
• Infrequently, staff do not provide pupils with work that is matched to the learning goals that have been identified for them. This means that there are occasions when pupils do not complete tasks that help them to progress to the next steps in their learning. The school should make sure staff have the knowledge to ensure that all activities provided for pupils support them to meet their academic targets.
• The school has not ensured that pupils have opportunities to learn about faiths different to their own. As a result, pupils do not have the knowledge they need to engage effectively in this aspect of life in modern Britain. The school should ensure that pupils have opportunities to develop a greater understanding of world religions.

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