The Meadows School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 February 2026

Pupils begin their day at The Meadows in a calm and supportive environment. Staff welcome pupils in ways that are appropriate to their needs, whether through a simple gesture or kind encouragement. Pupils move into early morning routines when they feel ready. They are supported by adults who understand what helps them settle and feel ready for the day. This steady start helps many pupils cope with the move from home to school, which some pupils find difficult to manage. The importance of effective communication is understood by all staff. They use pictures, objects and signing to help pupils share choices and ideas. Some pupils are beginning to try new ways to communicate, while others rely on familiar systems. Staff give pupils time to respond and encourage them to become more independent over time. Pupils enjoy taking part in activities that reflect their interests. Younger pupils develop early reading, communication and physical skills. As they grow older, pupils take part in practical activities and community visits that help them understand the world around them. Some pupils learn to choose healthy snacks or help organise small group routines. Others are developing the skills to concentrate for longer periods with shorter breaks that help them manage their emotions. Pupils build positive relationships with adults and each other. They enjoy outdoor learning, creative subjects and experiences that help them grow in confidence. They learn to take turns, play alongside each other and practise their social skills. When pupils find social situations tricky, staff quickly support them to work out what to do next. Pupils know adults will listen if they feel worried. Bullying is uncommon because when disagreements happen, adults help pupils repair friendships. Pupils learn about staying safe online and offline through simple, repeated messages. Pupils are proud of their achievements and talk about their hopes for the future with growing confidence.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue strengthening the quality of teaching so all staff understand and apply agreed approaches consistently.
• Leaders should ensure that staff accurately identify gaps in learning when they occur and make appropriate adaptations to enable pupils to learn the curriculum as intended.
• Leaders should continue to develop leadership at all levels to support improvement and enable leaders to monitor actions effectively.
• Leaders should further strengthen partnerships with parents and carers so families are more confident in supporting their children's education and future ambitions.

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