The Emmbrook School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils and parents value the 'family feel' of the school and how welcoming it is. Over recent years, Emmbrook has been growing rapidly.

Pupils who join mid-year say that they settled quickly because of the care that they receive. Other pupils value the school's sense of 'community and togetherness'. Teachers are described as 'kind', with many pupils citing this as one of the best things about the school.

Pupils are confident that any support they need will be provided by caring staff. In particular, they know the importance of reporting any concerns they might have about themselves or their friends. Where help is needed, parents and pupils say that issues are effectiv...ely dealt with.

In lessons pupils are focused on their learning. They benefit from the school's recently developed, thoughtful curriculum planning. However, the school recognises that, as yet, not all pupils learn as well as they could.

The school, supported by the trust, is resolute in making the identified improvements as quickly as possible.

During free time pupils are well behaved. They are punctual when returning to lessons and take pride in rising to the school's high behaviour expectations.

Sensitive guidance is provided by staff to help everyone learn.

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

Since joining the trust, school and trust leaders have continued to put in place a number of improvements to the school. Staff are very positive about the way the school supports and trains them to develop their professional skills.

They are proud of the support they give to pupils. Currently, further refinements to the school's policies and processes and being made. Leaders and staff are resolute in their determination to embed these improvements to ensure pupils achieve highly.

In response, parents consider the school to offer their children a positive educational experience. A large majority say they would recommend the school to prospective parents.

The school's curriculum clearly sets out the knowledge that pupils need to learn within each phase of their education.

Key vocabulary is identified and is used confidently by knowledgeable teachers. Lessons are calm and pupils are keen learners. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) benefit from the thoughtful care they get each day from staff.

Learning is often successfully adapted to ensure it meets individual needs. However, sometimes the work given to pupils does not always help them to learn as much of the ambitious curriculum as the school intends. In addition, while there are regular checks on what pupils know and understand, these are not always used accurately to identify what some pupils need to do next.

The school recognises this and knows the importance of making the necessary improvements to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, achieve well.

Well-trained staff identify the precise support needed for pupils who find reading more difficult. These pupils benefit from this.

The school's new library is popular with pupils. A range of books help to enliven their reading. The library also forms the base for some of the school's numerous clubs and activities, such as crochet club, retro-gaming club, and the school's community jigsaw puzzle which pupils enjoy completing together.

Sixth-form students reflect on how well their teachers know them, and how the teaching provided helps them to learn quickly. The school's effective careers programme builds students' confidence in their future plans. Students' ambitions for their futures help to inspire them to work hard in their studies.

The school's 'FAIR' values of 'family, ambition, integrity and respect' help pupils to know what is expected of them. This results in a vibrant and good-natured atmosphere. Pupils value the diversity of the school and are respectful of each other.

Tutor time sessions form an important part of pupils' wider learning. Here, pupils explore concepts such as equality and the importance of healthy relationships. The school recognises the need to strengthen this provision further to deepen pupils' understanding as they grow up.

Pupils also benefit from the numerous extra-curricular activities including subject trips and musical events. The school provides additional support to disadvantaged pupils to ensure everyone can take part.

The school's recently revised attendance processes have had a positive impact in ensuring more pupils are attending more regularly.

However, some pupils still have high levels of absence, meaning they miss out on too much of their education. The school is continuing to strengthen this work to help these pupils attend more.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Leaders are continuing to refine policies and practice as they are implemented. As a result, pupils are not yet always learning as much as they could. The school must continue to support staff in fully implementing the school's policies and practice.

• The quality of teaching and resources do not consistently support all pupils to learn as much as they can. This means that some pupils are not consistently learning the ambitious curriculum that has been put in place. The school must continue its work in ensuring teachers have the expertise they need to ensure all pupils achieve highly.

• Some pupils are not yet attending school as regularly as they should. As a result, they are missing out on vital learning. The school needs to continue to strengthen its actions to support the improvement in the attendance of these pupils.