Furze Down School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 February 2024

Pupils deserve to be proud of their achievements in this extremely nurturing and orderly school. Highly trusting and respectful relationships between pupils and staff are the hallmark of daily routines. Skilled staff sensitively calm down any anxieties that pupils might have. Pupils feel safe and settle quickly into the school's secure routines. They demonstrate impeccable attitudes. One pupil said, 'Furze Down is the greatest school we have ever been to.' Staff encourage pupils to aim high and celebrate success at every opportunity. Their unwavering commitment to pupils' growing sense of independence dovetails seamlessly with the school's values. Many pupils have experienced previous challenges with education and have not attended school regularly for a long time. This means that they have significant gaps in their learning. Staff tackle these head on, working steadfast to identify and address these gaps to help pupils catch up quickly. An interesting range of extra-curricular activities such as crocheting, horse riding and horticulture harness pupils' talents and interests. Pupils value the opportunities that they have to volunteer at the local café, help distribute the parish newsletter and assist at the farm. Managing the popular 'Tea Trolley' and 'Stem Shop' helps older students hone their entrepreneurial skills.

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