Bents Green School, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, is a special school catering for pupils aged 11 to 19. The school operates across three sites and focuses on providing tailored educational support for students with complex special educational needs and disabilities. The recent inspection, conducted on 20 and 21 February 2024, reaffirmed the school's overall judgement of good, although it indicated that a graded inspection might yield a different outcome due to some areas needing improvement.
The school is known for its strong commitment to understanding and supporting each pupil's individual needs. It collaborates closely with parents and carers to eliminate barriers to learning, ensuring that students with SEND make significant progress. The environment at Bents Green School is characterized by a supportive and respectful atmosphere among pupils, who demonstrate positive attitudes towards their peers and learning. Leaders maintain high expectations for student achievement and are actively working to enhance the curriculum to better meet the diverse needs of all students.
Despite the positive aspects, the school is currently at a transitional phase regarding its phonics and reading instruction. There is a lack of a consistent strategy for teaching these essential skills, which has led to variability in staff confidence and effectiveness. While a new reading scheme is being introduced, not all staff have received adequate training, which could hinder the progress of some pupils. Leaders recognize the need for a more uniform approach to phonics instruction across the school.
The curriculum pathways designed for pupils with SEND are generally broad, but some pathways are more developed than others. This inconsistency can affect the depth of knowledge pupils acquire in certain subjects. While the school has organized its curriculum thoughtfully, the implementation in lessons does not always reflect this planning. Nevertheless, pupils engage positively with their learning experiences, particularly those in 'The Hub,' who participate in mainstream lessons with support from Bents Green staff.
The school faces challenges related to its physical environment, with one site accommodating more pupils than it can comfortably support. Some classrooms require maintenance, and accessibility issues exist for students with physical disabilities. However, the overall behavior of pupils is commendable, with staff effectively managing any disruptions in a calm and nurturing manner. Most pupils feel safe and supported, thanks to the school's commitment to fostering a positive climate.
Personal development is an area identified for improvement, as the school has not effectively linked personal development across different learning pathways. Some staff lack the necessary training to teach personal development elements effectively, resulting in gaps in pupils' understanding of risks, particularly in community settings. While many pupils demonstrate a good understanding of online safety and consent, there is a need for a more comprehensive approach to personal development education.
Staff at Bents Green School report feeling supported by leadership, receiving regular professional development and safeguarding updates. Early career teachers benefit from appropriate mentoring and preparation time. The governing body acknowledges the challenges posed by increasing pupil numbers and is committed to addressing areas needing improvement.
In summary, Bents Green School is dedicated to providing quality education for pupils with SEND, fostering a supportive environment that encourages learning and personal growth. However, it must address inconsistencies in phonics instruction, curriculum development, and personal development education to enhance the overall educational experience for its students.
