Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Newlands School on 10 January 2019, following its previous judgment of good in November 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively responded to an increase in pupils with complex needs by adapting the school environment, adding new classrooms and outdoor spaces to ensure equality of opportunity for all students. The inclusive atmosphere was evident during a whole-school assembly, where pupils and staff celebrated achievements together, showcasing a strong sense of community.
Pupils at Newlands School enjoy their learning and achieve well, with parents reporting significant improvements in their children's social skills. The school is co-located with a mainstream primary school, fostering a culture of respect and friendliness among pupils. The high staff-to-pupil ratio contributes to a safe and supportive environment, and pupils' behavior is noted as a strength, with effective systems in place to help them manage their emotions.
The school has successfully addressed previous areas for improvement, particularly in safeguarding. Pupils demonstrate an understanding of how to stay safe online, and staff are proactive in keeping parents informed about e-safety. Each pupil now has specific targets, and teachers meticulously assess their progress, ensuring that individual needs are met. The collaborative approach between teachers and support staff has resulted in effective tracking of pupils' development.
During the inspection, it was noted that the new assessment and tracking systems are working well, allowing for the measurement of small steps in progress. Teachers utilize pupils' education, health, and care plans to set appropriate personal targets. The majority of pupils are making expected progress, with some exceeding these expectations across various subjects. The teaching is tailored to meet individual needs, and the most able pupils are appropriately challenged through opportunities to engage with their mainstream peers.
Leaders have also focused on strengthening the curriculum for pupils with complex needs, ensuring they have access to engaging learning experiences. Recent changes have been positively received by staff, leading to increased pupil engagement. The inspection highlighted the effective communication strategies employed by staff, enabling pupils to express themselves in various ways.
The leadership team has established a strong culture of safeguarding, with detailed records and timely referrals to local authorities when necessary. Staff training is current and robust, ensuring that all staff are aware of the signs of abuse and local updates. The secure entry system further enhances the safety of the school environment.
The inspection concluded with recommendations for the school to refine its progress tracking system to better report on groups of pupils with similar needs and to embed the new curriculum for pupils with complex needs to enhance their learning engagement. Overall, Newlands School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all its pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future.
