Education Links

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 September 2022

Pupils like coming to this school. They say it is not like the other schools that they have been to. They like the smaller class sizes and the additional help and support that adults give them when they need it. At all sites of the school, pupils feel safe. They say that bullying hardly ever happens, and when it does, staff deal with it straight away. Pupils have had difficult starts to their education. They move to this school because they have significant social and emotional needs. Often, they need extra help to manage their feelings and emotions. The school staff get to know pupils very well and make them feel welcomed and cared for. Over time, pupils make progress in both their behaviour and their academic work. Some pupils attend the school for just a few days. Other pupils stay for longer periods. Leaders and staff have high expectations and have made sure that the curriculum is right for all pupils. Teachers make sure that lesson activities are interesting and help pupils to progress through the curriculum. Pupils learn to prepare for their next steps after they leave the school. This includes careers lessons that prepare them for work or college.

What the school should improve

• In some practical subjects, pupils are not provided with sufficient opportunities to practise their skills. This prevents them from securing knowledge in their long-term memory. Leaders should sharpen the curriculum to ensure that teachers provide practical activities which help pupils to secure knowledge in their long-term memory.
• Teachers do not receive sufficient guidance and training on developing pupils' independence and the skills they need for adulthood. This means that staff are ill- equipped to support pupils as they prepare for adult life. Leaders should ensure that all staff receive training and guidance on this aspect of their work.

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