The Shrubberies School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 April 2024

Respectful relationships between staff and pupils help pupils to feel safe and happy in school. Pupils learn how to communicate their needs and they respond to others appropriately. Over time, pupils develop the skills and knowledge to recognise and manage their emotions and to make positive choices. The school is a calm place, where pupils' social, emotional and mental health development is a priority. Pupils who attend The Shrubberies School and the sixth form at the Apperley Centre have special educational needs and/or disabilities. At this school, pupils learn that 'difference is okay'. Pupils are eager to learn. The school's new curriculum has initially focused on implementing the 'Myself and My Body' aspects. Within these aspects, pupils enjoy a wide range of carefully planned enrichment activities they may continue when they leave school. For example, pupils learn to ride bikes, grow plants and cook fresh vegetables. Established routines help pupils to grow their confidence and independence. Pupils celebrate each other's successes with a 'Wendy Wiggle'. Preparation for adulthood begins the moment pupils start school. This increased ambition means pupils are well equipped with important life skills. Many pupils gain nationally recognised qualifications before they leave school.

What the school should improve

• The school has recently revised its curriculum. This means that staff do not have a secure knowledge of the new curriculum's expectations, so they do not check pupils' knowledge effectively. As a result, in some subjects, learning activities do not support pupils to secure knowledge and understanding well enough. The school needs to support staff to develop their knowledge of the revised curriculum so that they assess and identify pupils' next steps accurately.

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