Castlebar School, located in Ealing, London, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on November 22 and 23, 2023. The overall judgement of the school remains outstanding, although the evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a different outcome. The next inspection will be a graded one, which will assess the school under section five of the Education Act 2005.
Pupils at Castlebar School are reported to be happy and safe, thriving in an environment characterized by positive relationships and consistent routines. The calm atmosphere and familiar adults contribute to a stable learning environment, allowing pupils to engage with their education effectively. Behaviour is noted to be strong both in lessons and throughout the school grounds. The school prioritizes the development of communication and social skills, supported by specialist training and knowledge that underpin the curriculum. This approach enables pupils to achieve well from their various starting points, although there are areas where the curriculum could be better designed for those ready to access the national curriculum.
The school offers a diverse range of experiences that enrich the curriculum and prepare pupils for future educational and life challenges. Notably, all classes utilize the on-site swimming pool, which helps alleviate any fears of water and teaches valuable life skills. Many pupils express that swimming is among their favorite activities.
Castlebar School excels in supporting pupils' behaviour and social skill development. Leaders collaborate closely with specialists, including speech and language therapists, to provide tailored advice and guidance. Individualized programmes and integrated therapies are informed by education, health, and care plans, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to manage any dysregulation among pupils. The school emphasizes increasing pupils' independence, allowing them to manage their learning by selecting activities from their own trays. Attendance is monitored rigorously, with patterns identified and families supported to ensure consistent school attendance.
The commitment to developing communication and understanding is strong, with well-targeted strategies enabling pupils to express themselves through various means, including signing and electronic devices. Different approaches to teaching reading are employed, including phonics and whole-word recognition. However, there are inconsistencies in matching reading materials to the sounds pupils know, which can hinder their reading fluency.
For pupils following a pre-key stage curriculum, learning is broken down into manageable steps, with careful assessment to ensure understanding before progressing. This method supports pupils in making significant progress from their starting points. However, for those ready to access the early stages of the national curriculum, some subjects lack well-designed learning pathways, limiting the depth of knowledge acquired.
Pupils' personal development is well considered, with support for experiences that prepare them for future life skills, such as cooking. The curriculum for personal, social, health, and economic education is thoughtfully designed, helping pupils understand essential concepts, including healthy relationships and consent.
Staff at Castlebar School express pride in being part of the community, appreciating the professional development support and resources available to manage their workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, while Castlebar School maintains its outstanding status, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in curriculum design and phonics instruction. The school is committed to addressing these areas to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
