Churchill Park Complex Needs School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The new headteacher is providing strong direction for the school and enjoys the confidence of staff, governors and parents. Since his appointment there has been a rigorous drive to improve all aspects of the school so that all pupils receive the best possible education. Teaching across the school is now good due to the rigorous monitoring by the senior leadership team and governing body, together with focused training and support for staff.

Good teaching and well-planned learning in the early years enable children to settle quickly to their routines, stay safe and make good progress. The governing body has a good understanding of the str...engths and weaknesses of the school and is closely involved in monitoring all aspects of its work. The vast majority of pupils make good progress from their individual starting points.

Some pupils make outstanding progress. This is in all subjects including reading, writing, communication and mathematics. Pupils' behaviour is typically good and there are many examples of outstanding behaviour.

Teachers and their assistants team up well to support and encourage learning. They set high expectations which improve learning, progress and behaviour. The school's work to keep pupils safe and secure is outstanding.

Record keeping is exemplary and cooperation between professionals and different agencies is outstanding. Consequently, any concerns are dealt with promptly and efficiently. It is not yet an outstanding school because : The sixth form is good.

Although learning experiences for students in the sixth form have improved since the last inspection, they are not yet outstanding. The school does not link learning in the sixth form closely enough to real life and the world of work. The marking of completed work is not consistent across the school.

Pupils are not always given clear guidance on what they need to do to improve their learning. Teachers do not always make sure that pupils make improvements to their work following their feedback and marking.

Information about this school

Churchill Park School caters for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders.

In addition, some pupils have hearing impairment, visual impairment and complex medical needs. It is the only special school in West Norfolk In March 2014 a new headteacher was appointed and was employed for two days a week before taking up the full-time position in September 2014. He is the fourth appointment since the school opened in 2009 following the amalgamation of two existing, but very separate, local special schools.

The headteacher was involved in the appointment of a number of new teaching staff who started at the school in September 2014. This included the appointment of two assistant headteachers to strengthen the new senior leadership team. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs or are in the process of having an education health and care plan drawn up.

The early years provision is full time. Children in Reception class share their education with older pupils in Years 1 and 2. An above-average proportion of disadvantaged pupils are supported through the pupil premium, which is additional government funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and looked-after children.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds, including those from families where English is an additional language, are below average. These pupils are represented across all of the different disability and special educational needs groups in the school. Some students attend the Open Road Centre to gain qualifications in motor vehicle maintenance.

The school is part of Trust Norfolk SEN, which is a cooperative involving all special schools in the county. The Trust operates school-to-school support which facilitates consultancy advice and support for staff working with children and young people with special educational needs in mainstream schools. Churchill School is also a partner in the Encompass Teaching School Alliance and works in close collaboration with other mainstream and special schools.