Bleasdale School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Bleasdale School is an exceptional school where all pupils are valued and nurtured. The school shares an unwavering determination to put pupils at the heart of everything that it does.

Staff know pupils exceptionally well. They care greatly about supporting pupils' social, physical and educational development. As a result, pupils are happy, and they achieve highly from their various starting points.

The school has high expectations for all pupils. Pupils benefit from purposeful and exciting learning opportunities. Staff are highly skilled and understand and support pupils' special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) expertly.

The school is particular...ly strong at supporting pupils who need support to improve their communication skills. Over time, pupils develop their ability to communicate exceptionally well.

Pupils behave well in their lessons and at social times.

They respond quickly to requests from caring staff. When required, pupils receive excellent additional support that helps them to improve their behaviour over time.

Pupils enjoy positions of responsibility such as being school councillors and running the weekly school café.

There is a plethora of enrichment opportunities for pupils to get involved with. They particularly enjoy taking part in orienteering, yoga and visits to the local beach.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has designed a specialised curriculum that is extremely ambitious.

It ensures that pupils study a broad range of subjects. Within subjects, the school has thought carefully about the knowledge that pupils will learn. The school uses appropriate assessment strategies to collect information about how well pupils learn the curriculum.

Staff check pupils' understanding carefully and regularly. The school uses this information to help staff adapt their delivery of the curriculum so that pupils achieve well in a range of subjects.

The school encourages pupils to improve their communication and interaction.

For example, pupils use their tailored communication systems with increasing confidence to provide staff with appropriate responses. Staff model language expertly. There is an exceptional focus on developing vocabulary through rhymes and sensory stories.

As a result, most pupils improve their communication over time.

The school ensures that pupils' needs are monitored closely. Consequently, the school responds quickly and effectively to meet any changes in pupils' SEND.

Pupils benefit from a range of specialists that further enhance the support that they receive.

For those pupils who are at the early stages of reading, there is a well-considered phonics programme. Staff deliver the programme excellently so that these pupils learn to read with fluency.

Pupils delightfully engage with sensory stories and poems that staff share with them throughout the school day.

Pupils greet visitors with friendliness and warmth. Their behaviour is exemplary.

Pupils enjoy their lessons and always try their best. They benefit from very positive relationships with staff. Across the school community, the feeling of positivity and resilience shown by pupils is remarkable.

The school's work to promote pupils' personal development is strong. Pupils understand the similarities and differences between different world religions. They learn about tolerance and respect.

Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, are given many opportunities to develop their character and explore their talents and interests. Pupils are keen to make a positive contribution to their school and the wider community. For example, pupils raise money for charities and display their artwork in the village for the local community to enjoy.

Pupils receive high-quality work experience. Staff guide pupils impressively towards their future aspirations. A notable array of carefully considered work and enterprise opportunities are weaved through the curriculum.

The inspirational curriculum extends into the sixth form, where students are enabled to become increasingly independent as they start to prepare for adult life.

Staff are immensely proud to work at the school. They appreciate the support that they receive to grow professionally and to manage their workload.

Governors are passionate about the school and help to ensure that all pupils flourish. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the education that it provides.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.