The Limes School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 July 2023

The Limes School is a nurturing place for pupils to learn. Leaders provide considered support and encouragement to each pupil. Many pupils have been out of education for considerable periods of time. Staff work together to support pupils to regain their confidence. This enables pupils to reengage in learning. Leaders support pupils who have previously experienced trauma with a range of effective therapeutic approaches. Staff get to know each pupil and are very understanding of their individual needs. Pupils are happy at this school. They achieve well. Leaders have high aspirations for pupils, including for their achievement and for their conduct. They are vigilant to any changes in pupils' mood or behaviour. This helps to ensure that pupils are kept safe. For many pupils, their attendance and behaviour improve during their time at the school. Generally, pupils behave well in lessons and around the site. They are respectful towards each other and towards staff. Any incidents of bullying are dealt with effectively. Pupils have access to a spacious outdoor area where they can play football. They enjoy planting and growing vegetables. They benefit from a wide range of enrichment activities, such as visits to scooter parks and to museums. Pupils told inspectors that the school has made a positive difference to their lives. They are proud to attend this school.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, leaders have not identified the essential knowledge that pupils must learn. This means that teachers are unclear about what to assess in these subjects. As a result, they do not know exactly what pupils must know and remember. Leaders should finalise their curriculum thinking in these few remaining subjects. Leaders should train staff so that adults know exactly what to assess and when.
• Some parts of the programme to support pupils' wider personal development are underdeveloped. As a result, pupils' careers education and the opportunities that they have to take on leadership responsibilities are not consistently strong. Leaders should further develop the personal development programme so that pupils are fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

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