Uffculme School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since September 2018 school leaders have worked hard to address the weaknesses in the quality of education at the school which had developed over time. They have developed many effective strategies to ensure that all children and pupils have access to a provision that meets their needs. Personal development has a very high profile in the school with all pupils provided with opportunities to develop themselves as individuals and members of society.

The conduct and behaviour of the pupils at the school is exceptional. As a result of support provided by highly effective staff pupils learn to manage their own emotions, feelings and develop strong inte...raction skills. As a result of strong provision that meets the academic needs of pupils, they make good progress in a range of areas.

Children make an exceptionally strong start to their education in early years, as a result of members of staff who have a strong understanding of the needs and abilities of the children. As a result of strong leadership in post -16, pupils are provided with opportunities to make good progress and to access the world around Families are positive about the school and believe that their children are happy and feel safe at the school. Staff feel well supported by leaders and professional development is used effectively to make sure they have the appropriate skills to meet the needs of pupils.

Pupils are very positive about the school and feel that staff help them to understand their own needs more so they can be better learners. Despite good leadership and management at school level governance is relatively weak. Governors do not fully understand their strategic role in school improvement.

The curriculum does not ensure that all pupils make the best possible progress, because it has not yet been carefully tailored to meet pupils' individual educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and build on prior learning. Systems to support pupils to develop their understanding of what they are learning and why are underdeveloped. them.

Information about this school

Uffculme is a school that caters for pupils who have a wide range of disabilities and needs. The majority of pupils are those with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). However, and more recently, a greater number have a range of specials needs, in addition to ASD such as speech and language difficulties, sensory and social, emotional and mental health needs.

The majority of pupils come from a White British Background. Many of the pupils do not live in the immediate locality of the school and a large number of pupils are transported to and from school by minibuses. Approximately 46% of pupils are disadvantaged pupils.

The school has a number of children looked after on roll. Almost three quarters of pupils are boys. Pupils enter the school at different points in their school career, sometimes as late as year 9.

The school is based around three different sites that are closely located: Early years and primary share a site, whilst secondary and the sixth form provision occupy their own sites. The headteacher took up her post in September 2018. The school receives school improvement support, commissioned by the local authority, from an external school improvement partner.