Fairmead School, located in Yeovil, Somerset, is a special school catering for pupils with moderate learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorder. The school has seen significant growth since its last inspection, expanding its facilities and staff to better serve its students. The recent inspection, conducted on June 13 and 14, 2023, confirmed that Fairmead School continues to be a good school.
Pupils at Fairmead enjoy their time at school and demonstrate high levels of attendance. The staff's deep understanding of each pupil allows for tailored support, fostering a nurturing environment from the moment students begin their educational journey. Parents have expressed satisfaction with the school's impact on their children's development, noting improvements in their eagerness to attend school. The staff effectively support pupils in managing their emotions and promoting positive behaviors, leading to significant improvements in overall conduct. Pupils are aware of the expectations set by school leaders and understand the importance of a safe and respectful environment, with clear protocols in place for addressing bullying.
The school emphasizes the importance of learning, with pupils showing enthusiasm and a desire to share their aspirations. However, school leaders acknowledge that the curriculum in some subjects requires further development to maximize pupil achievement. While plans are underway to enhance the curriculum, many initiatives are still in their early stages.
The headteacher is committed to prioritizing the needs of pupils, ensuring that their aspirations are at the forefront of the school's mission. Staff members share this vision, placing the child at the center of their efforts. The school provides numerous opportunities for older pupils to gain practical experience through well-structured work placements, and all pupils engage in entrepreneurial activities, such as creating and selling products. These experiences not only foster personal and social skills but also prepare pupils for future endeavors.
Leaders are dedicated to delivering a well-planned and sequenced curriculum, although they recognize the need for further clarity regarding the specific knowledge and skills pupils should acquire in certain subjects. This lack of clarity can hinder the depth of understanding in those areas. Additionally, while bespoke communication books are utilized for individual pupils, broader communication strategies are underdeveloped, which can affect pupils' ability to communicate effectively and impact their learning.
Reading is a key focus at Fairmead, with leaders striving for every pupil to become at least a functional reader. Daily phonics sessions and a diverse selection of age-appropriate books support pupils in developing their reading skills. The school fosters a love of reading through careful selection of texts that engage students.
The holistic development of pupils is central to the school's ethos, with leaders ensuring that pupils acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for successful lives within their communities. Pupils learn about health, safety, and respect for diverse cultures and relationships. The school also provides high-quality careers guidance, encouraging pupils to aspire to various professions and understand the pathways to achieve their goals.
Staff members feel well-supported by school leaders, who are attentive to their training needs and workload. The safeguarding arrangements at Fairmead are effective, with a strong culture of safety embedded throughout the school. Leaders prioritize pupil safety and work collaboratively with external agencies to address any concerns.
In summary, Fairmead School is a good institution that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum planning and communication strategies, the school is committed to fostering the growth and success of every student.
