The Pines Special School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 February 2025

There is an infectious positivity in this welcoming and extremely popular school. This is a big school with an even bigger heart. At the start of every day, pupils are greeted with a smile from staff who are passionate about securing the best outcomes for them. Staff take the time and care to get to know pupils well, including their likes and dislikes. This is a school that is characterised by positive relationships. Pupils are happy, and they feel a tangible sense of pride about being here. In classes, around the building and in the playground, pupils are polite, and they behave well. If they struggle, staff are on hand to provide help quickly. As a result, disruption is rare. Staff are diligent about how effectively they supervise pupils and ensure that they are safe. Staff have high expectations of pupils. Staff demonstrate a deep understanding of autism and successfully adapt activities to pupils' needs and starting points This ensures that activities are accessible and achievable. Lessons are calm and industrious, and pupils are keen to share their learning. They maintain positive attitudes and work hard to do their best. From their starting points, pupils do well here, both academically and in their social and emotional development.

What the school should improve

• There is some inconsistency in how effectively the curriculum is implemented. As a result, opportunities are missed to maximise the impact on pupils' learning. The school should develop how it quality assures provision so that it provides teachers with the necessary support to maximise pupils' learning in every lesson.

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