Fosse Way School, located in Radstock, Bath, Somerset, has been inspected and rated as good across all areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, early years provision, and sixth-form provision. The school caters to pupils with moderate to severe learning difficulties, many of whom have communication and language challenges, including autism spectrum disorder. All students have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, ensuring tailored support for their individual needs. The school has a strong commitment to preparing students for adulthood, focusing on their ability to engage with the community and live as independently as possible.
The inspection highlighted the positive impact of the school's curriculum, which has been carefully reviewed and structured to meet the diverse needs of its pupils. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad range of experiences, including hydrotherapy, horse riding, and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Staff members are dedicated to fostering strong relationships with students, creating a calm and supportive environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The school emphasizes the importance of communication skills from an early age, employing specialist approaches to enhance learning.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement. The consistency of the curriculum across different classes needs to be enhanced, particularly regarding the time allocated to various subjects and the clarity of expectations. This inconsistency can hinder leaders' ability to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum in building knowledge and skills over time. The assessment of learning in subjects is still developing, and leaders are working on a new system to improve this aspect.
Teachers at Fosse Way School are knowledgeable and receive ongoing training to support their professional development. They adapt their teaching methods to accommodate the unique learning styles of pupils with complex needs. The focus on phonics and reading is strong, with careful selection of texts to engage students and promote a love of reading. Mathematics instruction is also tailored to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring that key concepts are effectively sequenced and built upon.
Personal, social, and health education is integral to the school's curriculum, helping students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a healthy lifestyle. The school prioritizes careers education and work experience, providing opportunities for students to gain practical skills and prepare for future employment. The school's commitment to safeguarding is evident, with effective arrangements in place to ensure the well-being of pupils and their families.
The leadership team is aware of the demands placed on staff and strives to provide support, particularly as many leaders are new or in temporary positions. The school community, including staff, governors, and trustees, takes pride in their work and the positive impact they have on students' lives. Overall, Fosse Way School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and support for its pupils, with a clear vision for continuous improvement and development.
