Larwood School, located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is a special academy catering for pupils aged five to eleven with special educational needs and disabilities, including those related to autism spectrum disorder. The school has recently undergone an inspection, which took place on November 9 and 10, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, leadership and management, and personal development also receiving good ratings. Notably, the behaviour and attitudes of the pupils were rated as outstanding.
The school environment is described as happy and safe, where pupils quickly settle in, often after experiencing disruptions in their previous education. The staff prioritize getting to know the interests and needs of each pupil, fostering trust and a supportive atmosphere. Pupils are encouraged to read regularly and receive support to catch up on their learning. They show significant improvement in both behaviour and attendance, responding positively to the high expectations set by the school. The curriculum is broad and includes essential life skills such as cooking and swimming, alongside academic subjects.
Physical education and lunchtime activities promote health and well-being, and the school emphasizes the importance of kindness and making good choices. Instances of bullying are rare and addressed promptly. The school organizes various events, such as talent shows and community performances, which allow pupils to showcase their skills. Educational trips to theatres, museums, and places of worship enhance the learning experience.
Leaders at Larwood School are committed to providing the best for their pupils. The curriculum effectively helps pupils get back on track with their learning, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school utilizes education, health, and care plans effectively, ensuring that pupils' social, emotional, and mental health needs are met from the outset. This support enables pupils to settle in quickly and be ready to learn.
While the quality of education is generally effective, there are areas for improvement. The small steps linked to essential content that pupils need to learn are not always clearly defined, leading to broad learning targets that may not provide the precise guidance needed for pupils to progress quickly. Additionally, many older pupils enter the school with reading difficulties, but they gradually gain confidence and improve their reading skills through daily phonics instruction and a newly introduced reading scheme.
The school has a strong culture of safeguarding, with a skilled and experienced safeguarding team. Staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. Support networks, including onsite mental health services, ensure that pupils and their families receive timely assistance. All necessary checks are conducted on new staff before they join the school.
The middle leadership team is still developing, with some subject leaders new to their roles. This affects the capacity to consolidate and build on curriculum improvements. Senior leaders are encouraged to ensure that new leaders acquire the skills needed to evaluate the quality of provision in their areas of responsibility. Overall, while Larwood School demonstrates many strengths, there are opportunities for further development to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
