Kelford School, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is a special school that caters to pupils aged 2 to 19. Under the leadership of headteacher Sarah Mulhall, the school is part of the Nexus Multi-Academy Trust, which provides additional support and oversight. The recent inspection conducted on May 21 and 22, 2024, confirmed that Kelford School continues to be a good school, demonstrating a commitment to providing a nurturing and effective learning environment for its pupils.
Pupils at Kelford School exhibit happiness and enthusiasm for their education. Staff members greet students warmly, fostering a sense of belonging and security. The school employs various strategies to help pupils settle into their learning routines, including circle time and sensory circuits, which are particularly beneficial for younger and older students, respectively. The school emphasizes the importance of effort and aspiration, with pupils actively engaging in their learning, whether it be through following light and colors or working diligently in their math books.
The school excels in personalizing learning to meet the individual needs of its pupils. Staff members have high expectations for student achievement and are well-trained in delivering phonics instruction effectively. Reading is a significant focus, with diverse teaching strategies employed to support all learners, including those who are pre-verbal. Writing is also becoming a goal for many pupils, who take pride in their progress and improvements.
Kelford School has made strides in developing its early years provision, although some challenges remain. The outdoor area, while equipped with large equipment to promote physical activity, is not fully accessible to all pupils, particularly those with mobility issues. This limitation affects their opportunities for independent play and physical development. The school is currently reviewing its curriculum to ensure it builds and reinforces knowledge and skills across all subject areas, with particular strengths noted in early reading, mathematics, and communication.
The school places a strong emphasis on understanding pupil behavior as a form of communication. Staff are trained to recognize the triggers behind behaviors, which has led to a reduction in incidents of dysregulated behavior. The school has also worked closely with local authorities to improve attendance, which is returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Kelford School is ambitious for all its pupils, including post-16 students who are encouraged to develop independence and prepare for active community involvement. The school promotes respect and understanding among pupils, teaching them the importance of kindness and inclusivity through personal, social, and health education lessons. While the school has made efforts to provide work experience opportunities, there is a desire for more extracurricular activities and clubs to enhance socialization and engagement outside the classroom.
The leadership team within the Nexus Multi-Academy Trust offers effective support to Kelford School, helping to drive improvements and ensure the best outcomes for pupils. Staff members express pride in their work and appreciate the support they receive in managing their workload. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
To further enhance its provision, Kelford School should focus on improving outdoor accessibility for pupils with physical disabilities and expanding the range of extracurricular activities available to students. These steps will help ensure that all pupils can fully participate in school life and develop their interests and talents outside of the classroom.
