Barley Lane School, located in Exeter, Devon, is a foundation special school catering for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The recent inspection conducted on July 9 and 10, 2024, revealed that the school requires improvement in overall effectiveness, the quality of education, and leadership and management, while it received good ratings for behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development. The school previously held a good rating in its last inspection in May 2023.
The environment at Barley Lane is described as calm and nurturing, where pupils feel safe and valued. They appreciate the care and support provided by the staff, who are attentive to their individual needs and help them manage their emotions. This positive relationship fosters a sense of respect and understanding, allowing pupils to feel they can start anew after behavioral incidents. However, despite the supportive atmosphere, the quality of education is not meeting expectations. There is a lack of clarity in some subjects regarding the key knowledge and skills that pupils are expected to learn, which hinders their ability to develop a deep understanding of the material. Additionally, some staff members lack the necessary subject knowledge to effectively teach certain subjects, further impacting pupil learning.
The school has high expectations for pupil behavior, and students generally demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning and social interactions. The school actively promotes regular attendance and provides a range of additional experiences, such as kayaking and climbing, which contribute to building pupils' confidence. The curriculum is designed to align with pupils' developmental stages, but the pace of improvement has been slow, and monitoring and evaluation processes are not robust enough to ensure high-quality education.
Barley Lane School places a strong emphasis on reading, recognizing its importance for pupil development. A successful reading program is in place, providing daily opportunities for pupils to enhance their reading fluency. The school is also developing its library resources, which has increased pupils' enthusiasm for reading. Those requiring additional support receive extra time to practice, helping them catch up.
The school prioritizes the wider development of its pupils, teaching them about forming healthy relationships, safety, and valuing diverse opinions. Pupils engage in various activities that promote independence and leadership skills, such as caving and community projects. The careers program offers insights into the world of work, helping pupils develop self-awareness and confidence.
Parents express satisfaction with the school, appreciating the support and guidance their children receive. The safeguarding arrangements at Barley Lane School are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must clarify the key knowledge and skills across all subjects to enhance pupil understanding. Additionally, it needs to strengthen its monitoring and evaluation processes to gain a clearer picture of its effectiveness. Staff development in subject knowledge is also crucial to ensure that pupils receive the quality education they deserve. Overall, while Barley Lane School has strengths in its supportive environment and pupil development, significant work is needed to enhance the quality of education and leadership.
