Breakspeare School, located in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlights its outstanding quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school caters to pupils with severe learning difficulties and those with profound and multiple learning difficulties, including conditions such as autism, hearing impairment, and visual impairment. All students have an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan, ensuring tailored support for their individual needs.
The inspection, conducted on October 1 and 2, 2024, found that pupils receive exceptional care and support, fostering a nurturing and secure environment. Staff members are attuned to the needs of their students, ensuring that any discomfort is promptly addressed. Established routines and respectful relationships contribute to high standards of behavior, with daily greetings teaching pupils the importance of communication and social interaction.
The school emphasizes community engagement, helping pupils develop independence through activities such as bowling, dining in cafes, and library visits. These experiences not only enhance their social skills but also improve their writing abilities, as demonstrated by a recent initiative where pupils wrote to a local business requesting the installation of a wheelchair ramp to improve accessibility for their peers.
In the sixth form, students thrive under a carefully crafted curriculum that uncovers their talents and interests. Opportunities such as gardening projects inspire some students to pursue horticulture at the college level. The school’s environment fosters confidence and pride in achievements, with success stories being a common occurrence.
Since the last inspection, school leaders have developed a precise curriculum that outlines learning objectives from early years through to sixth form. This child-centered approach allows for effective pupil grouping, ensuring that students access lessons and facilities that best meet their needs. Staff align long-term educational goals with short-term curriculum targets, facilitating purposeful daily learning evident in pupils' work and discussions.
The school employs evidence-informed teaching methods for communication and reading, tailored to each pupil's needs as outlined in their EHC plans. Regular opportunities for practice and reinforcement of learning are created, including a weekly signing assembly that teaches pupils to express their thoughts and feelings through gestures. The school prioritizes fostering a love for literature through engaging sensory storytelling experiences.
Despite some pupils facing medical challenges that lead to frequent absences, the school actively advocates for them with external agencies to ensure they receive necessary support. Leaders have successfully improved attendance for some students through supportive engagement with parents and carers.
The school environment is calm and purposeful, with staff trained to understand the challenges faced by pupils. They guide students toward independence while knowing when to provide support. This empathetic approach is reflected in the positive interactions among pupils, who enjoy communal activities such as dining together.
Breakspeare School offers an exceptional personal development program that nurtures social skills through various activities, including caring for animals and participating in clubs and events. The careers program is integrated into the curriculum, teaching younger pupils personal responsibility and providing older pupils with job application experiences within the school.
Leaders and governors maintain high expectations and foster a culture of professional development among staff. The supportive environment encourages staff to seek feedback and training, ensuring a highly skilled workforce. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, prioritizing the well-being of all pupils.
Overall, Breakspeare School exemplifies excellence in providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, ensuring their personal and academic development in a nurturing environment.
