The Jane Lane School, a college for cognition and learning located in Walsall, has undergone significant transformation since its last inspection. The recent inspection, conducted on 24 and 25 October 2023, rated the school as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This marks a positive development for a school that had not been previously inspected under the current framework.
Pupils at The Jane Lane School report feeling happy and safe, with strong friendships and a respectful atmosphere among peers. The school has established high expectations for student achievement, which are reflected in the pupils' performance. The curriculum is ambitious and engaging, with a focus on vocational experiences that prepare students for future educational opportunities. Weekly visits to a local college enhance their learning and provide practical experiences that are well-received by the students.
The school promotes a range of motivating learning opportunities that foster essential skills such as citizenship. Pupils engage positively with their local community through visits to shops and museums, which enrich their educational experience. The relationships between pupils and staff are strong, contributing to a positive school culture where the majority of pupils behave in a calm and orderly manner. Politeness and good manners are evident, with pupils demonstrating respect for adults and visitors.
The school has made notable improvements since the last inspection, particularly in safeguarding practices. Effective systems are in place to ensure the safety of pupils, and the curriculum includes lessons on personal safety in various contexts. Pupils are aware of trusted adults they can approach if they feel worried, contributing to a secure environment for both students and staff.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, with leaders identifying the necessary knowledge and skills for pupils. Teachers are well-trained, enabling pupils to retain and build upon their learning effectively. Most lessons are adapted to meet the diverse needs of students, although there are instances where tasks do not align perfectly with pupils' abilities, hindering their full engagement with the content.
Assessment systems are effective, helping pupils to remember key knowledge and identify gaps in their learning. The school prioritizes reading, with staff receiving training in phonics instruction. However, there is variability in the delivery of phonics, which affects some pupils' reading progress. The school is aware of this issue and is working to ensure consistent implementation of the phonics curriculum.
Pupils have access to various after-school clubs that enhance their personal development. The PSHE curriculum addresses important topics such as consent and diversity, equipping pupils with knowledge about protected characteristics and future employment opportunities. Attendance has significantly improved due to the school's effective support systems and collaboration with families and external agencies.
All pupils have an Education, Health and Care plan, which is regularly reviewed to ensure their needs are met. The school collaborates closely with parents and specialists, providing timely support for effective learning. Behaviour strategies are consistently applied across classrooms, contributing to a positive learning environment.
In summary, The Jane Lane School has made commendable progress in providing a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing the delivery of the curriculum and ensuring that all pupils can access and achieve their learning goals.
