Merryfields School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 May 2025

Pupils thrive in the school's calm, nurturing and welcoming environment. The school's mission of 'nurturing a love of learning for life' is a reality for staff and pupils here. Staff have high expectations for pupils' academic and wider success. These expectations are realised, and pupils achieve very well. Staff understand the special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) of their pupils exceptionally well. Pupils enjoy strong, respectful relationships with staff. They are supported with high levels of care and dignity. Consequently, pupils are settled, safe and happy. Strong foundations for pupils' enduring success start in the early years. Children's communication and interactions, and independence are highly prioritised. The school promotes a wealth of opportunities for pupils to share their voice, including through visual boards, objects of reference and suitable electronic devices. This means that pupils communicate their thoughts, feelings and needs throughout the day very effectively. Pupils have a wealth of wider opportunities. These are carefully designed to prepare pupils for life beyond school. Pupils practise what they learn in the classroom within the wider community, for example by visiting a cafe, trips to the library and going shopping, where pupils learn to manage their money.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, the school has not identified precisely the key knowledge, skills and vocabulary pupils should learn. This means that, sometimes, pupils do not build on their prior learning in a clear and cumulative way. The school should define the precise knowledge, skills and vocabulary pupils will learn across the curriculum.

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