Gable End

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 September 2023

Pupils join the school having experienced significant disruption to their education. Many have not been in school for long periods of time, with some having experienced trauma in their lives. Here, pupils receive an education that is carefully designed to meet their needs. Their emotional well-being is given top priority; they are guided and supported by adults who care deeply about them. Adults take time to get to know the needs of pupils, and what makes them tick. Pupils learn a curriculum that is well matched to their needs, interests and ambitions. They are guided to take responsibility and behave well. Incidents of misbehaviour, which can be frequent, are carefully managed by well-trained staff. Pupils are safe in school. Pupils form a strong bond with Frosty, the school rabbit. He is much loved, and pupils take responsibility in meeting his needs. Opportunities to make a difference to local charities are plentiful. Pupils gain valuable experience of helping others. Pupils learn to stay safe and develop essential life skills needed for adulthood through the highly effective personal development programme. By the time they leave, they are markedly better equipped to succeed in the world.

What the school should improve

• Some teaching assistants do not yet have sufficiently well-developed knowledge and skills to support pupils' learning in the academic curriculum. They do not always provide precise and useful support to help pupils learn. Leaders should ensure that they provide training to help teaching assistants improve their knowledge and skills in the academic curriculum to be able to support pupils with their learning as well as they currently do with pupils' pastoral needs.
• Some teachers who are responsible for subject areas do not have the knowledge and time to effectively check the quality of provision in their area of responsibility. This means they do not always have a clear and precise view as to what is working well and what needs to improve. Leaders should ensure that they provide these staff with the appropriate training and guidance they need to develop their role.

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