Sheffield Inclusion Centre

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 November 2023

Most pupils join the school having been permanently excluded from mainstream schools. Many have special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils join with mixed experiences of, and attitudes to, education. Adults gain the trust of pupils and make a positive difference to their lives. In turn, pupils come to realise that staff want the best for them. Adults' dedication and care supports pupils to rebuild their faith in themselves. Many pupils need considerable assistance to manage their feelings and behaviour. Composed, persistent guidance from teachers, mentors and support staff helps pupils make more mature behaviour choices. If pupils become frustrated or anxious, staff are quick to step in and calm them down. Pupils are safe and learn relevant strategies to keep themselves safe. Pupils tell staff about anxieties or concerns that they may have. Pupils learn a curriculum that has reading at its core. Pupils develop knowledge of, and interest in, reading. This helps them experience success across the wider curriculum. Pupils appreciate the importance of learning, which one pupil summed up with, 'Before, I messed up. Now, I get my head down so I can get on in life.' Many gain qualifications that prepare them for their next steps.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have overhauled much of the curriculum. Some of this work is ongoing. In a few subjects, leaders have not set out precisely what pupils should learn. At times, teachers do not teach the curriculum with the same level of consistency as in many subjects. This slows learning. Leaders should set out exactly what pupils should learn and continue to support teachers so that all subjects are taught consistently well.
• Leaders have raised expectations and brought about many improvements in pupils' best interests. Most staff understand these changes and consider leaders to be supportive of their workload and well-being. A small proportion do not. Leaders should review their systems to gather, and respond to, staff's views.

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