Queenswood School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 October 2024

Pupils arrive with a range of previous experiences of education, many of which have been negative. Over time, these experiences become increasingly positive. Pupils develop a willingness to learn and they achieve a range of qualifications. These lend themselves well to pupils' next steps as they move beyond school into the world of further education, apprenticeships or work. Leaders are ambitious for pupils. The school is determined to unlock the potential and access brighter futures for each young person placed with them. They achieve this. Pupils are proud to talk about their learning. They can share a song they have been practising to play on the keyboard, or read a poem with expression and meaning. They show a secure understanding of democracy. Positive, respectful relationships are key to this success. Pupils appreciate how well staff know them as an individual and care for them. They feel safe. They feel valued and that their voice is heard. Conversations on the setting up of the school council and recollections of a visit to a farm raise a smile as each pupil's character and interests come to the fore.

What the school should improve

• Staff do not always support pupils' learning in lessons as well as they could. This means pupils do not always have opportunities to think for themselves. The school should ensure that staff have the appropriate pedagogical knowledge to probe, question and extend learning so they can best support pupils' progress.
• The recently introduced interventions programme stands separate to the curriculum. Staff who deliver the curriculum lack knowledge of the interventions used. As a result, pupils do not apply the learning they gain within these sessions to their learning in curriculum subject lessons. The school should further embed the recently introduced interventions programme, including early reading, so that all staff integrate the pupils' learning from interventions across the curriculum.

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