Addington School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

This is a vibrant community where every pupil is valued and known exceptionally well. Pupils learn to communicate and develop the academic, personal and life skills necessary for the next stage of their education, training or employment. The relationships at all levels and between adults and pupils are exceptional.

Adults are extremely sensitive to each individual and adjust conditions continually so that pupils learn to manage their behaviour well and there is an excellent attitude to learning in lessons. Pupils make excellent progress in communication, speaking, physical development, reading and mathematics at all five key stag...es in the school because of the well-planned teaching activities closely matched to individual development. The excellent range of subjects and many activities, especially music and sport, enable pupils to develop a wide range of skills.

All subjects are exceptionally well taught so that pupils can make the small steps of progress necessary. Leaders and managers at all levels are ambitious. They constantly plan and carry out actions to develop the school further.

Plans are wide ranging and based on an accurate view of the school. Middle leaders are well trained and are extremely effective in taking responsibility for initiatives, demonstrating well what pupils have achieved as a result. Leaders and managers are aware that there need to be more precise details for the small steps of learning for more able pupils.

The governing body is well trained and provides support and challenge for the school. Governors use their expertise well in supporting further development at the school. Parents say that they are very pleased with the school and it is definitely the place for their children because they have made such great progress.

This was summed up in the comment: 'It truly is an amazing school on every level.'

Information about this school

This is a special school. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs.

These are for profound and multiple learning difficulties or severe learning difficulties afew pupils have moderate learning difficulties. Over half also have autistic spectrum conditions. There is an average proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and also in receipt of the pupil premium (additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, children looked after by the local authority and those from service families).

There is a higher than average proportion of children looked after by the local authority and a few children from service families. There is a slightly higher than average proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups. The school moved into a new purpose built building in 2009.

It is a specialist music college and a Special Educational Needs specialist school in Cognition and Learning

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