Rigby Hall Day Special School, located in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, caters to pupils with moderate to severe learning difficulties and complex needs. The school has undergone recent inspections, with the latest occurring in February and June 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education also needing enhancement. However, the school demonstrates strengths in behavior, attitudes, personal development, and leadership, all rated as good.
The school environment is described as calm and purposeful, fostering positive behavior among pupils. Staff are dedicated to understanding the diverse special educational needs and disabilities of their students, working closely with families to ensure a comprehensive understanding of individual needs. Despite this commitment, there are inconsistencies in how staff utilize this information to adapt the curriculum effectively, which impacts pupil engagement and learning outcomes.
Rigby Hall offers a unique learning environment enriched by facilities such as an outdoor gym, forest school, and life skills village. These resources enhance the educational experience, allowing pupils to engage in practical learning opportunities, such as road safety and community interactions through local shopping trips. The school has made strides in improving its curriculum and provision since the last inspection, with leaders demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development.
The curriculum is well-planned, with high expectations set for what should be taught. However, the implementation of this curriculum is not always consistent across all classes. Staff sometimes fail to adapt lessons based on the detailed information they have about pupils' needs, leading to missed opportunities for deeper engagement and progress. The changing profile of the pupil population, with an increase in students with additional needs, has prompted leaders to update provisions to better support these learners.
In the early years, leaders prioritize identifying individual needs and involve external professionals when necessary. The use of well-considered environments supports diverse learning styles, and staff occasionally employ effective communication strategies. However, there is room for improvement in consistently applying these strategies across all lessons.
Reading is a priority at Rigby Hall, with a suitable phonics scheme in place. Plans are established for pupils at different stages of reading readiness. Nonetheless, the delivery of this program is not uniform, resulting in some pupils struggling with decoding while others are not sufficiently challenged. Recent changes have been made to address these issues.
The sixth-form provision is well-structured, taking into account pupils' preferences and needs, preparing them for adulthood through a comprehensive careers program. Pupils actively contribute to the school community through various councils and volunteer work, fostering a sense of pride in their contributions.
While leaders have set high expectations for behavior, recent changes to the behavior policy have led to an increase in suspensions. Leaders are currently evaluating how to better support pupils displaying challenging behavior to reduce reliance on suspensions. The governing body is actively involved in overseeing the school's progress, commissioning external reviews to enhance their understanding of the school's strengths and areas needing development.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to risks. Pupils receive education on healthy relationships and online safety, equipping them with essential skills for their well-being. Overall, while Rigby Hall Day Special School has made significant strides in various areas, there remains a need for consistent curriculum implementation and improved support for pupils with special educational needs to ensure they achieve their full potential.
