Fair Ways School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 November 2024

Pupils feel a deep sense of community at this distinctive school. They are happy and proud to belong here. The natural environment, including the bushcraft area, is utilised effectively. Pupils benefit from outdoor space in which they learn well, play happily and relax. Staff provide personalised support, enabling pupils to thrive. All pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities and most have missed significant parts of their education before they join. Staff organise transition activities meticulously to ensure that everyone settles in well. The school's values are evident in pupils' positive behaviour. Pupils treat each other respectfully and learn to consider each other's feelings. Sometimes pupils need bespoke support to manage their emotions and feelings that staff provide expertly. As a result, disruption to learning is rare. Staff share a high ambition for pupils. They have an excellent understanding of individual pupils' needs. Staff plan considered activities through which pupils learn to trust them. This helps pupils feel safe and behave well so that they can learn. Pupils receive high-quality pastoral care and tailored support. One parent, typical of many, told inspectors that 'staff are amazing. They are very caring and understand the pupils' needs really well'.

What the school should improve

• Some pupils are absent from school for too much of the time. This means they miss out on vital learning and risk falling further behind. The school must continue its work with families to ensure that the attendance of pupils meets the school's high expectations.

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