Hazel Oak School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Leaders and governors provide inspirational leadership.

They have created a culture that enables pupils and staff to excel. Senior leaders and governors are uncompromising in their ambition for the school and pupils' outcomes. They have a deep and accurate understanding of the school's effectiveness.

Their self-evaluation is thorough and accurate. The curriculum is innovative and highly personalised. Leaders are constantly reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it meets pupils' changing needs.

Consequently, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Teachers have a deep knowledge of the subjects they... teach. They develop pupils' reading, writing and communication well, but planning for pupils to use their literacy skills in all subjects is not yet maximised.

The development of pupils' skills in mathematics is particularly strong. Teachers and support staff are highly skilled. They know their pupils exceptionally well and have high expectations of them.

As a result, pupils make substantial and sustained progress both in their learning and in their personal development. Behaviour in lessons and around the school is exemplary. Pupils are happy and enjoy school.

Relationships in the school are warm and based on mutual respect. There is a strong family atmosphere. A strong culture of care and support exists across the school.

Pupils' welfare is given a high priority by all staff. Work with external agencies is exceptional. Safeguarding is a strength of the school.

All pupils feel safe in school, and staff and parents and carers agree. The rich range of additional opportunities promotes strong spiritual, moral, social, cultural and emotional development. All pupils benefit from this and enjoy the many varied activities on offer, for instance, riding a bike is possible.

Post-16 provision focuses sharply on making sure that students maximise their potential. The post-16 leader is highly committed to finding ways to help students increase their independence and improve their life chances.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than a typical secondary school.

All the pupils have an education, health and care plan. Pupils' needs include moderate learning difficulties, speech and language difficulties, and autism spectrum disorder. The school has twice as many boys as girls.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average. Pupils from four neighbouring local authorities attend the school.