Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School Limited

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2026

Children and pupils thrive at Elmfield, whether they join in Kindergarten, the 'lavender room' or at a later point in their education. The school is a harmonious, inclusive community. Pupils, staff, parents and carers talk about how the school is like a 'big family' where everyone is respected for who they are. Pupils spend a lot of time together in the same class and acknowledge, like all families, that there are occasional times when people fall out or say the wrong thing. They know that staff will support them in resolving these issues quickly. The infrequent incidents of bullying are dealt with equally effectively. Pupils feel safe and know how to keep themselves safe. Pupils value the education they receive and engage well with their learning activities. Their work and contributions in lessons reflect that they learn well. Pupils appreciate the choices they can make around their learning, for example which 'revolutionary figure' to research and present on, or which modern language they wish to pursue at GCSE level. Pupils are rightly proud of the way that they develop the skills needed to be confident, articulate young people. Pupils make the most of the varied opportunities available to them within and beyond the curriculum. They rise to the level of personal challenge and resilience built into their outdoor education residential trips and the numerous high-quality performances they participate in. Children in Kindergarten learn to be responsible through clearing up after learning activities and making lunch for each other. Older pupils talk with conviction about their responsibilities to the natural world. School councillors are keen to make a difference, for example through the introduction of a 'friendship bench'. Pupils leave Elmfield with more than a set of qualifications. They are equipped to lead socially active, successful lives and have the confidence to pursue their ambitions.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff check more effectively how much pupils have understood and learned 'in the moment' during lessons.
• Leaders should ensure that all staff are confident about how to best support pupils' learning at different stages of the lesson.
• Leaders should build on their emerging analysis of the attendance of different groups of pupils to identify which groups may need more precise strategies to improve their attendance.
• Leaders should ensure that the PSHE curriculum is delivered in a way that helps pupils to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of key topics.

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