Crowdys Hill School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Ambitious leaders have overseen the significant expansion and development of this school since the last inspection. Crowdys Hill is a happy and safe place to learn. Pupils and staff are proud of their school.

From very different starting points, pupils make good progress over time. They develop their knowledge of reading, mathematics and other subjects, as well as vocational and life skills. Teaching is underpinned by strong relationships between adults and pupils.

The most effective teaching is carefully designed to meet individual needs. This is not consistent throughout the school. Detailed tracking of progress means that teachers can ...intervene if a pupil appears to be underachieving.

The curriculum, including the use of the farm, the shop and residential activities, gives pupils wide and varied experiences to learn and practise new skills. There is a strong safeguarding culture in the school underpinned by an atmosphere where people take care of one another. Conduct around the school is good.

There is strong behaviour management. Pupils who have difficulties managing their behaviour improve. Leaders have developed a range of monitoring and evaluation processes to guide their improvement work.

They do not always summarise and share this information effectively. Governors do not always have the information they need to support and challenge the school. The post-16 provision successfully prepares students for adulthood and life beyond school.

Leaders ensure that students achieve well and become more independent.

Information about this school

At the last inspection, Crowdys Hill School was for secondary-aged pupils who had moderate learning difficulties. There were 129 pupils on roll.

Since that date, the school has developed primary and post-16 provision and admitted almost 100 more pupils, many of whom have complex learning difficulties. Most of the buildings are new or refurbished. The school has a farm on-site.

In association with Swindon Night Shelter, the school runs the Hub, which is a shop and cafe. All pupils have EHC plans. Over half the pupils are eligible for pupil premium funding.