Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Chailey Heritage School on 8 May 2019, following its previous outstanding judgment in October 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to provide an outstanding quality of education. The leadership team, supported by a dedicated and skilled staff, effectively meets the special educational needs of pupils. Parents expressed satisfaction with the school, noting that their children are happy and make excellent progress due to the careful understanding of their needs. Many parents highlighted the importance of the school's multidisciplinary approach, which allows children who might otherwise be hospitalized to attend school.
The inspection noted that the school has successfully developed the roles of middle leaders, who now play a significant part in improving teaching and learning. The curriculum has been tailored to meet the increasing complexity of pupils' needs, focusing on seven relevant areas of learning. This personalized approach ensures that all pupils have access to meaningful educational opportunities. The leadership team consistently reflects on their practices, asking critical questions to justify their actions and enhance the school's provision.
The school has implemented a robust assessment process that allows for continuous adaptation of teaching strategies to meet individual pupil needs. Teachers utilize detailed learner profiles to track progress and set meaningful targets. The inspection found that pupils engage positively with their learning activities, whether in academic subjects or therapeutic settings. The school also emphasizes the importance of communication, particularly for non-verbal pupils, ensuring they can express their needs and preferences.
Governors are actively involved in the school's operations, regularly visiting to hold leaders accountable and to understand the impact of the school's provision on pupil outcomes. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to any concerns regarding pupil safety. The school maintains a culture of care, ensuring that all incidents are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
The inspection focused on two key areas: the effectiveness of teaching, learning, and assessment in meeting pupils' needs, and how leaders ensure that pupils make significant progress. The findings indicated that teaching staff are committed to helping pupils achieve their best, employing a range of strategies to support learning. Parents appreciate the persistence of staff in facilitating their children's progress and the willingness to explore various approaches to enhance development.
The school is encouraged to enhance home-school communication and to further enrich the curriculum through the new resource center. Overall, the inspection reaffirmed the school's outstanding status, highlighting its commitment to providing a high-quality education tailored to the unique needs of its pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment.
