Haywood Grove School, located in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 27 and 28, 2024. The school caters to pupils aged 5 to 11, all of whom have an education, health, and care plan, primarily focusing on social, emotional, and mental health needs. Many students arrive with prior educational challenges, and the staff prioritize building trusting relationships to understand and support each pupil's individual needs. This approach fosters a safe and happy environment where pupils feel well cared for and listened to.
The school maintains high expectations for behavior, and staff effectively manage instances where pupils struggle to regulate their emotions. Calm and consistent strategies help pupils return to their learning quickly. Pupils are encouraged to develop social skills, such as understanding friendship, and they take pride in their achievements, symbolized by colored wristbands for demonstrating positive behaviors. The school also emphasizes strong partnerships with parents and carers, providing support and advice to ensure a cohesive approach to each pupil's education. Parents express high satisfaction with their children's experiences, often describing them as life-changing.
Haywood Grove School has developed an ambitious curriculum tailored to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of its pupils. The curriculum is designed to address gaps in knowledge, with careful assessments to identify each pupil's starting point. Learning plans are customized to support individual progress, and strategies for addressing social and emotional needs are integrated throughout the curriculum. Staff regularly assess learning during lessons and adapt future plans based on this information. However, the school acknowledges that it lacks a comprehensive evaluation of the curriculum's effectiveness, which limits its understanding of how well it meets the diverse needs of all pupils.
Teachers engage pupils by selecting resources and activities that align with their interests, demonstrating secure subject knowledge. Nonetheless, there are instances where materials are not utilized effectively to challenge pupils' thinking, resulting in some not achieving their full potential. The school provides effective support for reading, with well-trained staff delivering a phonics program that helps struggling pupils catch up. Daily storytime and book-sharing activities further enhance pupils' reading skills across the curriculum.
The school offers a rich array of opportunities for personal development, including exposure to various careers and participation in holiday mentoring sessions. These initiatives help pupils develop their talents and interests through challenging activities and trips. Additionally, therapies such as play and equine therapy promote resilience and independence.
Attendance is supported by strong communication between the school and parents, with prompt follow-ups on any concerns. This proactive approach helps address barriers to attendance and supports pupils in improving their behavior. Staff collaboration is encouraged, fostering mutual support in fulfilling their roles. While governors are working to enhance their understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses, there is still a need for improvement in their ability to hold leaders accountable.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the evaluation of the curriculum and the training of staff to ensure they can fully support pupils' needs. The governing body must also enhance its knowledge and skills to challenge school leaders effectively. Overall, Haywood Grove School continues to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for its pupils, with a commitment to ongoing improvement in its educational practices.
