Cann Bridge School, located in Plymouth, Devon, is a special school catering for pupils with a diverse range of special educational needs and disabilities. The school has maintained its overall judgement of good following an ungraded inspection conducted on 26 and 27 September 2023. However, the evidence suggests that if a graded inspection were to occur now, the outcome might not be as favorable. The next inspection will be a graded one, which will further assess the school's performance.
Pupils express happiness at Cann Bridge, enjoying positive relationships with staff who prioritize their safety. They understand the behavioral expectations set by adults and strive to meet them, demonstrating good behavior both in class and during social interactions. The school fosters a keen interest in learning, with pupils eager to participate in various activities. Nonetheless, the school acknowledges the need for improvement in ensuring that pupils achieve their full potential. In certain subjects, there is a lack of clarity regarding the knowledge and skills that pupils should acquire, which hampers their ability to develop a deep understanding of the material.
The school encourages pupils to engage in wider responsibilities, such as participating in the school council and leading initiatives like recycling projects. These activities help cultivate social and leadership skills among students. Despite facing challenges related to staff recruitment and turnover, the new leadership team is ambitious and has identified necessary improvements. They recognize that some pupils are not acquiring the knowledge and skills they should in specific subjects and have begun to implement plans to address these issues, although these plans are still in the early stages.
Historically, the governing body has not effectively held the school accountable, but new governors are now in place and are committed to ensuring that the school meets its statutory duties. They are working alongside school leaders to implement changes that will enhance the educational experience for pupils. The school has articulated a clear vision and values, emphasizing aspirations for all students.
While the school aims for every pupil to become a functional reader, the approach to early reading is not yet fully developed. Pupils in the early stages of reading do not receive adequate opportunities to practice, which affects their fluency and confidence. The school must ensure that all pupils have sufficient chances to develop their reading skills.
Cann Bridge School places a strong emphasis on fostering independent skills among pupils, aligning learning goals with their education, health, and care plans. This focus prepares them for life beyond school, with practical initiatives such as a laundry area where pupils can learn essential life skills. The post-16 provision offers high-quality careers guidance, helping students prepare for future employment and college applications through work-related learning experiences.
Pupils' personal development is well considered, with opportunities to engage in community activities and challenges that build confidence and independence. The school also supports pupils' wider interests, providing experiences that inspire and enhance self-esteem. While parents have mixed views about the school, many express confidence in its ability to meet their children's needs.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. To improve, the school must clarify the key knowledge and skills it wants pupils to learn across all subjects and enhance its approach to teaching phonics and early reading. Additionally, the new governing body must establish systems to hold school leaders accountable for the necessary improvements.
