Hazel Court School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils love going to Hazel Court School.

They thoroughly enjoy learning and enthuse about the many activities and experiences provided by the school, such as swimming, bike riding and going to the beach. One pupil said: 'You're never in the same place for too long!' Residential trips for the older pupils are a particular high point in the school calendar. Staff work closely with parents, carers and pupils to ensure that all pupils can participate fully.

The school makes a profound difference to pupils' lives, helping them to manage and overcome significant challenges. It is highly ambitious for its pupils, and rightly so. Pupils thrive because of the school's exceptio...nally strong curriculum, skilful teaching and high-quality care.

They achieve extremely well, both personally and academically. All school leavers go on to meaningful destinations. Those who are due to leave at the end of this term are looking forward to the move because they have been very well prepared for the transition.

Pupils are proud to represent their school and do so with great maturity. Their behaviour is exemplary. Pupils learn how to express themselves using a wide range of strategies.

This makes a significant contribution to their safety and welfare, and to their future lives.

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

The school's curriculum is meticulously designed according to each pupil's individual special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils are placed on one of three curriculum routes, with a 'bridging curriculum' for those pupils in Year 10 who are ready and able to access qualification programmes, such as functional skills in English and mathematics.

Staff continuously assess pupils' learning, adjusting the content and their approach to ensure that pupils achieve consistently well.

Staff respect pupils and are committed to helping them to achieve the very best outcomes. Pupils are strongly engaged in learning.

They work quietly and purposefully in lessons and take great care when completing their work. High-quality care ensures that pupils are very safe and consistently well cared for. Strong relationships mean that staff know precisely what they need to do to help pupils if they are frustrated, anxious or upset.

Pupils are extremely well prepared for their next steps. The curriculum includes a strong focus on building pupils' confidence and independence. The wider curriculum is organised into themes which help to prepare pupils for future adulthood, such as 'new beginnings', 'celebrations and festivals' and 'our world'.

Pupils learn valuable practical skills, such as how to use public transport and how to follow a recipe.

Pupils learn how to communicate their opinions and feelings using a wide range of communication strategies, including assistive technology, where this is appropriate. This has a significant impact on their lives, helping them to develop skills which will support them in the wider community.

Pupils learn that their views matter and grow in confidence. They treat adults and each other with respect.

The school's exceptional careers guidance plays a vital role in preparing pupils for life beyond Hazel Court.

Preparations for next steps begin at an early stage. Staff work tirelessly to make sure that pupils and parents have all the information they need to make an informed choice about future options. Carefully planned work experience makes a valuable contribution to pupils' employment skills and self-esteem.

Staff make sure that the oldest pupils have all the support they need to make a successful transition out of the school. Parents are highly appreciative of the school's role in supporting their children as they move into adulthood. Comments such as 'Parents are made to feel welcome and our child has made amazing progress,' 'My daughter has flourished,' and 'This is an amazing group of professionals who take their responsibility seriously,' illustrate their confidence in the school.

The school gives reading a very high priority, knowing that the ability to read opens doors to future education, training or employment. The reading curriculum focuses on equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills needed to support them in adulthood. Staff use a range of approaches to teach reading, including phonics.

Pupils make impressive progress in learning to read in everyday contexts. They thoroughly enjoy books and are keen to listen to a story. Last year, all pupils who were able to access the functional skills programme achieved an accredited qualification in English.

Leaders have built on the many strengths identified at the time of the previous inspection. Robust trust-wide monitoring procedures provide leaders with key information about the school's work. They use this extremely well in a process of continuous review and improvement.

Staff report strong teamwork and mutual respect. They are understandably proud of the contribution they make to changing pupils' lives.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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