The Redway School, located in Milton Keynes, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 20 and 21, 2023. The school provides education for pupils with autism, multisensory impairment, severe learning difficulties, and profound and multiple learning difficulties. All students have an Education, Health and Care plan, ensuring tailored support for their unique needs. The school fosters a happy and caring environment where pupils feel safe and secure, forming strong relationships with staff. Daily routines are well-established, creating a predictable atmosphere that enhances engagement in learning.
Teaching staff collaborate effectively with therapists, integrating therapy programs into the curriculum to support pupils' success. This seamless incorporation of therapeutic support allows pupils with complex health needs to continue their education even during extended absences. Leaders at the school are ambitious, striving to provide a rich and broad learning experience for every pupil. They have undertaken significant revisions to the curriculum, focusing on essential knowledge and skills across subjects while adapting it to meet the diverse needs of pupils.
The new curriculum is designed to cater to all pupils from early years through to sixth form, with a strong emphasis on communication development. In the early years, staff expertly teach pupils to express themselves, leveraging their understanding of individual preferences to facilitate learning. Motivating activities encourage pupils to communicate and make choices, fostering engagement across the school. The presence of books and reading areas promotes a love for reading, with staff employing sensory approaches to enhance storytelling experiences.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Leaders are in the process of fully implementing a system to track pupils' progress within the revised curriculum. This system is not yet fully operational, which limits the ability of leaders and teachers to identify the most critical next steps for pupils. Additionally, a newly devised program for teaching foundational reading skills is not yet uniformly implemented across the school, meaning some pupils may miss out on essential early reading instruction.
The school emphasizes preparing pupils for their next steps after leaving, offering opportunities for enterprise projects and life skills development. Older pupils participate in a transitions department, where they engage in courses designed to equip them with practical skills for adulthood. The school environment is supportive, with a focus on celebrating achievements and providing memorable experiences, such as themed weeks and trips.
Staff generally express satisfaction with their roles, although some note that the workload has increased due to ongoing curriculum development. Governance has undergone changes, with new systems in place to ensure effective oversight and support for school leaders. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff well-trained to recognize and respond to concerns, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
Overall, The Redway School continues to provide a good education, characterized by a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its pupils. The leadership team is focused on refining the curriculum and ensuring that all pupils receive the support necessary for their development. With ongoing efforts to embed new processes and programs, the school is well-positioned to enhance its educational offerings further.
