The Lindfield School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The executive headteacher and head of school are highly effective.

They have successfully established a culture of trust and openness and an unwavering focus on pupils' academic and social development. Consequently, teachers take calculated risks to deliver lessons in which pupils learn exceptionally well. Leaders use particularly well-developed systems for checking the quality of teaching and learning.

These are innovative and robust. Leaders use them exceptionally well to judge where there are strengths and areas for development. As a result, leaders' plans are precisely targeted and bring about continuous improvement.

...Governors provide very strong strategic direction in their work. They set very high expectations about what they want to achieve for the pupils that they serve. They have made very good use of the opportunities offered by the federation to build wider capacity in leadership.

The curriculum is skilfully designed with pupils' career pathways in mind. Work experience and careers advice dovetail seamlessly with lessons and other learning opportunities. Pupils are extremely well prepared for the next stage in their education or training.

The school's core values of respect, honesty, trust and kindness permeate through the actions of staff and pupils. Respectful two-way relationships are fostered by staff and are highly valued by pupils and their parents. Pupils are very well prepared for life in modern Britain.

The quality of teaching is consistently of the highest standard. Teachers' highly rigorous use of assessment means that lessons help pupils make rapid and sustained progress. Leaders utilise collaborative opportunities exceptionally well to ensure that provision for pupils' personal development, behaviour and welfare is tailored to the needs of individuals and their families.

Pupils thoroughly enjoy their lessons and love to go to school. This is reflected in very high attendance and their excellent attitudes to learning. Safeguarding arrangements are very effective.

Pupils feel and are safe in school. Leaders' detailed knowledge of individuals ensures that they are very well looked after.

Information about this school

The Lindfield School is a special school for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions and social, communication and associated learning difficulties.

All pupils are supported by a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan. The majority of pupils are of White British heritage and a much smaller proportion speak English as an additional language. There are approximately twice as many boys as girls.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for support through the pupil premium (additional government funding for pupils who qualify for free school meals or are in the care of the local authority) is well above average. Since the time of the last inspection, the collaborative arrangements between The Lindfield School and the South Downs Special School have been formalised. This means that there is now a single governing body and an executive headteacher that provide leadership for both schools.