Pathways School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 May 2023

Pupils enjoy their time at school and typically engage well in their learning. Staff get to know each pupil and are very understanding of their individual needs. They are vigilant to any changes in mood or behaviour. This helps to ensure that pupils are kept safe. Pupils are well behaved. This is because staff maintain high expectations and model these consistently to pupils. Any issues are identified and dealt with promptly. Pupils follow an ambitious and highly personalised curriculum that prioritises language, communication and independence. Staff understand pupils' likes and interests and tailor the teaching of the curriculum to take account of these. This means that pupils are well motivated and enjoy their learning. Pupils develop knowledge and skills securely and this is clear in their work, which is of good quality. They are well prepared for their lives beyond school. Leaders ensure that pupils enjoy a range of rich wider experiences. For example, pupils celebrate different occasions and events, such as the recent coronation, World Book Day and Eid. Leaders are planning the school's first sports day this summer. Pupils are looking forward to this and the chance to win medals.

What the school should improve

• The well-designed and personalised curriculum is not consistently shared with staff. Where this is the case, some tutors are unable to understand fully leaders' expectations for the sequence of learning. Leaders must ensure that staff fully understand how the curriculum builds over time so that they focus consistently on helping pupils to learn and practise important concepts.
• On occasion, practice in school does not align with leaders' policies. As a result, there are some inconsistencies in routines. Leaders, including the proprietorial board, must ensure that they check that staff apply the agreed policies so that important routines and practices are consistent.

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