Brook Green Centre for Learning, located in Whitleigh, Plymouth, is a special school that caters to pupils with cognitive and learning difficulties, as well as social, emotional, and mental health needs. The school has maintained its outstanding status following an ungraded inspection conducted on September 13 and 14, 2023. While the overall judgement remains unchanged, the evidence suggests that the school may not achieve the same rating if a graded inspection were to occur now. The next inspection is expected to be graded.
Pupils at Brook Green enjoy attending school, where they experience a nurturing environment that fosters confidence and personal growth. The relationships between staff and students are exceptional, with staff demonstrating a deep understanding of each pupil's unique needs. This supportive atmosphere helps to alleviate anxiety and stress, contributing to a sense of safety and happiness among the students. The school has high expectations for pupil behavior, and students generally behave well both in class and during social interactions, demonstrating an understanding of right and wrong.
Academic achievement is a priority, and pupils are eager to learn. However, there are concerns regarding the early reading program, as some pupils do not receive adequate guidance or practice to develop their reading accuracy and fluency. The school recognizes the importance of personal development and offers a variety of extracurricular activities that enhance pupils' confidence and self-esteem. Despite this, the school acknowledges that its relationships and sex education curriculum is not fully developed, which limits opportunities for pupils to learn how to manage their personal and social lives effectively.
Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, appreciating the support provided to both pupils and families, which contributes to their children's happiness. The school is committed to helping pupils realize their potential, focusing on their special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils feel heard and respected, and they are encouraged to treat others with kindness. The school fosters a positive attitude towards learning, with minimal disruption during lessons.
The curriculum is designed to provide a high-quality education, with careful planning to ensure that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge to succeed. Subjects like science and mathematics are well-structured, allowing pupils to revisit prior learning to reinforce their understanding. However, the school is aware that its relationships and sex education curriculum requires further development to ensure pupils gain the knowledge needed for personal and social management.
The phonics program currently in place is ineffective for early readers, as staff lack the necessary training to teach phonics effectively. This results in insufficient opportunities for pupils to practice their reading skills, hindering their fluency and accuracy. Additionally, the school does not regularly read stories to pupils, limiting their exposure to a diverse range of literature and potentially stifling a love for reading.
The school provides high-quality careers guidance, linking work experience to pupils' aspirations in fields such as computing and construction. Enrichment activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, sailing, and sports, contribute to pupils' self-confidence and sense of achievement. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
To improve, the school must implement an effective phonics program to enhance reading fluency and accuracy for early-stage readers. Additionally, the relationships and sex education curriculum needs to be fully developed to provide pupils with essential life skills. Overall, Brook Green Centre for Learning is dedicated to the growth and success of its pupils, with a clear commitment to continuous improvement.
