Hailey Hall School, located in Hertford, Hertfordshire, is a special school catering for boys aged 11 to 16 who have social, emotional, and mental health needs. The school has a total enrollment of 77 pupils, all of whom have an education, health, and care plan. The recent inspection conducted on September 28 and 29, 2022, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement, consistent with the previous inspection in September 2019.
The inspection highlighted that while pupils feel safe and well cared for, the quality of education needs significant improvement. Pupils appreciate the support from staff, which helps them navigate their educational journey and prepare for further education. However, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness of teaching in some subjects, particularly in reading and writing. The report indicates that pupils do not achieve as well as they should due to low expectations and insufficient opportunities to gain qualifications, including GCSEs in a broad range of subjects.
Pupils at Hailey Hall have often experienced long periods out of education, and staff are skilled in helping them make positive behavioral choices. The school environment is calm, and pupils report that bullying is not a significant issue, as they know there are adults available to support them. The school promotes positive behavior through a system of respect points for kindness and role modeling, and pupils enjoy recognition during weekly celebration assemblies.
Leaders have made efforts to enhance the quality of education since the last inspection, but there are still gaps in the curriculum design, particularly in English. The curriculum does not adequately address the essential knowledge and skills pupils need to succeed. While pupils excel in subjects like art and mathematics, where the curriculum builds on their existing knowledge, the overall curriculum lacks coherence and depth, particularly in linking subjects like history across different areas of study.
The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is still under development, but pupils benefit from various enrichment activities and experiences beyond the academic curriculum. These include trips and team activities that foster self-awareness and understanding of the world. However, the integration of these activities into the overall curriculum needs further consideration to enhance the depth of learning.
Leaders are committed to promoting pupils' personal development, encouraging regular attendance, and providing significant roles for pupils in key stage 4, such as anti-bullying ambassadors. The school has a strong guidance program that prepares pupils for their next steps after leaving, including careers advice and work experience opportunities.
Trustees have improved their collaboration with school leaders but need to challenge them more rigorously regarding pupil achievement and the effectiveness of educational strategies. They must ensure they have comprehensive information to hold leaders accountable for the school's performance.
The safeguarding arrangements at Hailey Hall are effective, with staff well-trained to identify and respond to potential risks. Leaders maintain detailed records of attendance and safeguarding concerns, working closely with external partners to provide necessary support for pupils.
To improve, the school must develop a well-ordered curriculum that clearly outlines the knowledge and skills pupils need to learn. Teachers should be trained to identify pupils' existing knowledge and address gaps in learning, particularly in reading and writing. Additionally, expanding the range of qualifications available to pupils will enhance their future opportunities. Trustees should ensure they have all necessary information to effectively support and challenge school leaders in their efforts to improve educational quality and pupil behavior.
