26. The match of
teachers and support staff to the curriculum is very good. Significant
investment in staffing has resulted in small class sizes which help
to ensure that pupils’ learning is of a very good quality
across the curriculum. Accommodation is satisfactory overall and
enables all curriculum areas to operate effectively. Whilst the
school has suffered significant delays with its major refurbishment
project it does have robust and clear systems for day-to-day maintenance
of accommodation and a rolling programme of improvement which is
carefully linked to school improvement and financial planning. Overall
the quality and range of resources to support the curriculum are
good. The school has made significant investment into JOT and the
library, which support teaching and learning well,
Care, guidance and support
The school has excellent arrangements for the health, safety and
welfare of pupils and for involving pupils in its work and development.
It provides very good support and guidance.
Main strengths and weaknesses
- Day to day procedures for ensuring pupils well-being are extremely
effective.
- The house system makes an exceptionally strong contribution
to the support of all pupils.
- The school constantly asks pupils how they feel about the school.
- Very well planned induction procedures help incoming pupils
to settle quickly
Commentary
27. The school takes exceptionally good care of its pupils and
its staff. This is a major strength of the school, Health and safety
arrangements are now rigorous and include pupil health and safety
representatives in each form. The pupils take these responsibilities
very seriously and participate fully in identifying and assessing
risks to health and safety. Child protection arrangements are very
good. The school trains all staff regularly, and ensures all new
and student teachers and staff are fully aware of procedures. The
school takes the needs of sick and injured pupils very seriously
and provides expert help and support. Highly proficient and very
committed support staff ensure that information about pupils’
needs flows very efficiently.
28. Parents and pupils, rightly, rate the house system highly.
It promotes very effective support for all pupils and fosters a
genuine sense of belonging. Pupils identify very closely with their
house. It encourages their commitment to the school and helps them
feel safe and secure. Pupils say there is someone they can trust
to assist them if they have concerns or problems. They value the
constant support provided by all tutors. Tutors track pupils’
personal development very carefully. They are alert to any change
in the pupils’ demeanour. They take prompt action to arrest
any further deterioration and to help the pupil get back on track.
Pupils with particular needs know that specialist staff provide
sensitive and well-considered help. The school provides an individual,
alternative curriculum for those pupils whose behaviour or attendance
prevents them accessing normal school life. These pupils begin to
commit to their education because of the exceptional care taken
to foster their needs.
29. The school has a deservedly strong reputation with parents
of children with significant needs. It has been part of a pilot
to suspend Statements of Special Educational Need with the full
cooperation of parents. Pupils receive the same level of ongoing
review and individual planning as would be required for Statements.
The arrangements allow the school to focus on planning to meet the
needs of pupils rather than the bureaucracy associated with Statements.
Pupils are involved in meetings to review their progress, and the
school ensures they develop the independent skills necessary for
adult life. There is well-planned transition into further education,
supported by the school and the careers adviser.
30. Pupils say that the school continually seeks their views about
the full range of school activities. Year 11 pupils value, particularly,
their two private interviews with the headteacher. They feel free
to discuss any aspect of their education, and respond accordingly.
This is just one of a raft of strategies which the school employs
to harness the views of pupils. Pupils are |