The Spires

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 February 2024

Many pupils have missed a lot of schooling by the time they arrive at The Spires. However, through the carefully structured educational and therapeutic support, pupils thrive. Pupils learn to build strong relationships with staff and each other. Pupils learn the importance of empathy and kindness. As a result, they re-engage with learning and flourish. Through the curriculum, pupils learn to read well. Consequently, they are equipped to learn a range of subjects. Staff nurture the interests of each pupil to 'hook them back' into learning. Pupils are therefore very positive about their experiences of school. One pupil commented, 'I have learned more in one month here.' Pupils' personal development through the curriculum is impressive. They are prepared for the world beyond school very well. For example, pupils are very knowledgeable about the complexities of relationships. Through the curriculum, pupils become reflective and thoughtful. Most pupils have social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Through, strong relationships with staff, pupils learn to manage their behaviour well. Pupils learn very strong citizenship skills through participating in the community of the school and the world beyond. There is a calm learning environment across the school.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum is not well designed in a few subjects. As a result, pupils do not learn key knowledge sufficiently well to enable them to learn more complex concepts. The school must ensure that the curriculum is well planned in all subjects so that pupils are able to build on their prior knowledge securely.

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