Mill Green School, located in St Helens, Merseyside, is a special school that caters to pupils aged 14 to 19 with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has maintained its outstanding status following an ungraded inspection conducted on May 8 and 9, 2024. The inspection revealed that while the overall judgment remains outstanding, there are indications that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating if conducted at this time. The school is currently in the process of enhancing its curriculum to better meet the needs of its pupils, who thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Pupils at Mill Green School are generally happy and settled, benefiting from strong relationships with staff who understand their individual needs. The school aims to help students achieve their highest potential, and most pupils strive to meet these expectations, often gaining the qualifications necessary for further education, training, or employment. However, some recent curriculum changes have not yet fully addressed the depth of learning required for all subjects, which may hinder some pupils' educational experiences.
The school provides practical life skills training, including shopping, cooking, and using public transport, which fosters independence and prepares pupils for adulthood. Emotional management is also a focus, with staff effectively addressing distress and challenging behavior, creating a calm learning environment. The school has faced challenges in leadership stability and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has made significant strides since 2022 to improve its operations and support for a broader range of special educational needs.
While the curriculum is ambitious and allows for a diverse range of subjects, some areas require clearer guidance on what pupils should learn and when. This lack of clarity can impede effective lesson planning and hinder pupils' ability to retain knowledge. Staff are well-informed about their pupils' needs and set achievable targets, but there are gaps in the phonics program that affect early reading development for some students.
The school promotes a positive atmosphere, with pupils generally behaving well and showing respect to staff and visitors. Attendance rates are high, although the school is actively working with families of a few persistently absent pupils to improve their attendance. The focus on preparing pupils for adulthood includes effective career guidance and opportunities for work experience, alongside a comprehensive enrichment program that is accessible to all.
Governance at Mill Green School is strong, with experienced governors providing a balance of support and challenge. They prioritize the well-being of staff, contributing to a positive work environment where staff feel valued. The school has successfully reduced staff workload by streamlining expectations, such as eliminating the need for written lesson plans.
Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, particularly in clarifying subject-specific knowledge and enhancing the phonics program to ensure all pupils develop strong reading skills. Overall, Mill Green School is dedicated to providing a high-quality education tailored to the needs of its pupils, preparing them for successful futures.
