Ivy Lane School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 October 2023

This school is a calm, nurturing environment. Pupils feel safe here. Staff make sure that pupils can communicate their needs and feelings. There are warm, respectful relationships. Pupils' complex special educational needs and/or disabilities are accommodated well. Pupils learn to recognise their emotions and to manage their behaviour. Pupils behave well. Staff deal promptly with any inappropriate behaviour and/or bullying. Routines in and around the school are well established. Staff get to know pupils very well. Over time, pupils develop their confidence. They learn to interact with their peers effectively and engage in learning willingly. The school offers a broad curriculum. Staff want the best for pupils. There are high expectations. Pupils learn in small groups and sometimes in one-to-one situations. Staff help pupils with sensory needs to learn in a way that is comfortable and meaningful to them. Pupils utilise various resources to communicate effectively. These include using pictures and symbols. Pupils enjoy a suitable range of activities. These activities are thoughtfully designed. They help to broaden pupils' understanding of the world. Pupils develop their independence and prepare for adulthood well. They enjoy horse-riding, cooking, swimming and taking part in residential experiences. Older pupils benefit from visits within the community. Post-16 students enjoy work experience on a local farm.

What the school should improve

• Targets for learning identified in pupils' ILPs are often too ambiguous. This means that teaching does not consistently support pupils to meet their targets successfully. Leaders should ensure that pupils' ILPs contain specific and measurable targets that can be reinforced effectively by teachers across the curriculum.

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