Southampton Hospital School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 December 2022

Pupils who attend Southampton Hospital School are unquestionably proud and happy here. Depending on their medical needs, pupils may be at the school for short or long periods of time. Staff quickly build rapport with pupils and their parents. They take care to understand each pupil's personality, interests, talents and future goals. Staff reassure pupils who are admitted to the ward that they can continue learning and keep up with their schoolwork. As one pupil said: 'Adults make sure that we never lose our confidence about learning. Just because we are in a hospital does not mean that school life stops.' Leaders have high expectations. They understand the challenges that each pupil is facing personally. Pupils are kind and supportive of each other. Incidents of bullying or discrimination are almost unheard of. Pupils trust that staff will help them deal with even the slightest worries they have. Breaktimes are sociable occasions. As well as catching up with their friends, pupils enjoy setting up games on the sensory trail. They are keen to look after the environment. For instance, they take care of the bugs, butterflies and snails in the garden area. Pupils are working on ideas to increase recycling in the hospital.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, the curriculum does not set out step by step what pupils should learn. This means that, sometimes, teachers do not help pupils make links in their learning. Leaders need to continue to refine the curriculum and make sure that it is well sequenced in all subjects.

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