Longcause Community Special School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Outcome

There has been no change to this school's overall judgement of good as a result of this ungraded (section 8) inspection. However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now.

The school's next inspection will be a graded inspection.

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils love coming to this school and are proud to be part of it. The school creates an atmosphere that is calm and purposeful.

Staff care deeply about each pupil. Pupils enjoy warm relationships with staff and receive exceptional support and guidance to overcome challenges. This enables pupils to grow in confidence a...nd flourish in a safe environment.

The school has high expectations of all pupils, and as a result, pupils achieve exceptionally well.

Pupils' behaviour is impressive. They understand what staff expect of them.

Pupils accept each other's differences. They are supportive of each other during lessons and social times.

Pupils relish the rich and diverse range of opportunities the school offers.

These help to develop pupils' skills and interests in many areas, such as music, theatre and outdoor education. Pupils of all ages and abilities are given these opportunities. This develops pupils' independence and prepares them well for the next stage of their lives.

Parents are thrilled with the school. Many credit the way staff support pupils and families. This creates a happy environment where pupils thrive.

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

The school is passionate and determined to provide pupils with the very best quality of education and care. Everything the school does is about helping pupils realise their potential. The curriculum is ambitious.

It is constantly under review to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of each pupil. Pupils are eager to learn and show positive attitudes to their work. The emphasis on reading, writing and mathematics is evident to see.

It provides pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to become independent learners. For example, pupils learn to shop, read a bus timetable and follow recipes. Similarly, pupils acquire valuable knowledge and skills in a range of other subjects.

Throughout the school, there is a strong focus on communication. Staff use technology, signs and symbols to promote pupils' early communication skills. The school aims for every pupil to become a reader.

Pupils benefit from highly effective phonics teaching across the school. Reading books precisely match the phonics knowledge of the pupils. The school ensures staff have the knowledge and expertise to teach phonics skilfully.

Pupils read daily to improve their fluency and comprehension. The school selects texts with care to ensure that they are age- and stage-appropriate. Story time is a firm favourite with pupils.

They hear stories every day, often linked to their learning in geography, history or science. Hearing stories develops pupils' love of reading.

Pupils' wider personal development is essential to the school's work.

The curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE) is planned and sequenced with care. Pupils build knowledge to help them lead safe, active lives. For example, pupils learn how to ride a bike and swim.

This builds their confidence and increases their independence.

Pupils are respectful and courteous. They greet visitors warmly into their classrooms.

They recognise each other's differences and show tolerance when other pupils feel anxious or worried. The school deals with these moments with care and consideration to keep stress to a minimum.

The work the school undertakes to develop the talents and skills of pupils is impressive.

There are numerous enrichment opportunities available to pupils. Pupils spoke with joy about residential trips, theatre visits and sporting activities. Older pupils talk proudly of their achievements within the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

These and other experiences develop pupils' resilience and self-esteem.

Pupils have high-quality and impartial careers guidance from a young age. Work experience is well considered to ensure it is linked to pupils' own interests, such as becoming a lifeguard or computing.

This helps raise pupils' aspirations and identify potential careers.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Background

When we have judged a school to be good, we will then normally go into the school about once every four years to confirm that the school remains good.

This is called an ungraded inspection, and it is carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. We do not give graded judgements on an ungraded inspection. However, if we find evidence that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, then the next inspection will be a graded inspection, which is carried out under section 5 of the Act.

Usually this is within one to two years of the date of the ungraded inspection. If we have serious concerns about safeguarding, behaviour or the quality of education, we will deem the ungraded inspection a graded inspection immediately.

This is the second ungraded inspection since we judged the school to be good in January 2015.