Holmwood School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are extremely well supported at Holmwood School. The school has high expectations for what pupils can achieve.

They receive an exceptional quality of education. Pupils who have had previously difficult school experiences flourish. They achieve very well and leave the school well prepared for their next steps in education.

Staff, led by inspirational leaders, have created a nurturing learning environment. They ensure that the school consistently focuses on meeting the individual needs of pupils. All pupils benefit from an educational offer that is carefully designed to meet their special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

This means that pupi...ls progress through the curriculum well.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Staff have a deep understanding of pupils' personal and social needs.

Staff expertly respond to pupils and support them to independently manage their behaviour. Pupils' attitudes to learning and attendance consistently demonstrate significant improvements from their starting points at the school.

Pupils' personal development is prioritised.

The school creatively supports pupils to develop more broadly. They rapidly develop their abilities to be confident and independent. Pupils feel calm and safe in the school.

This ensures that they can learn well and feel settled in education.

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

Pupils learn a rich and well-developed curriculum. Teachers and support staff are knowledgeable.

They share a determination that all pupils will progress academically and socially. This includes those pupils who attend the school's specially resourced provision. Staff expertly meet the academic needs of all pupils.

For example, they successfully target reading and phonics support to ensure all pupils improve their reading accuracy and fluency. Effective learning interventions strengthen pupils' writing skills and mathematical knowledge. These ensure that pupils with gaps in their knowledge can catch up and keep up with learning.

Pupils' work builds in complexity over time. Staff ensure that pupils remember important knowledge and learn to apply it independently. They are given meaningful opportunities to apply knowledge and skills across subjects.

This helps pupils to take ownership of their learning and feel pride in the achievements they make.

Pupils' behaviour and attitudes are noteworthy. Classrooms are calm and pupils learn without disruption.

Pupils learn to develop, and demonstrate, high levels of respect for each other. They value other people's differences and celebrate diversity. Pupils are polite.

They engage positively with adults. Caring staff expertly model the behaviours that they expect of pupils. This means that relationships between adults and pupils are respectful and kind.

Staff positively motivate pupils to attend school well. Leaders have developed well-embedded systems that promote regular attendance. As a result, pupils attend school very well.

Pupils' personal development is exceptional. It successfully extends into all aspects of school life. All curriculum areas contribute to pupils' wider development.

Pupils learn to discuss learning effectively across a range of subjects and topics. The school offers many opportunities that help pupils to develop their artistic and sporting interests, for example horse riding tuition or painting with local artists. Pupils visit local areas of interest through residential trips that broaden pupils' knowledge of their locality.

They are well prepared for adulthood. Pupils learn how to use money confidently and how to cook independently. They are involved in community church services and sing at a local care home.

This successfully develops their inter-generational understanding.

Staff recognise that leaders are considerate of their workload and well-being. Staff, including early career teachers, appreciate the support that they receive.

This includes professional development and regular time to carry out administrative tasks. Governors know the school very well. Some have a background in education.

This helps the governing body secure a deep understanding of the school and challenge leaders robustly. They share leaders' vision to build upon the school's already successful practice.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.