Arbour Vale School, located in Slough, has recently undergone its first inspection since joining the Orchard Hill College Academy Trust in November 2018. The inspection, conducted on January 10 and 11, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across various categories, 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, severe, or profound learning difficulties, all of whom have severe communication challenges and many with complex medical needs.
The school environment is described as friendly, welcoming, and safe, with staff who know the pupils well and provide the necessary support for them to thrive. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and are polite and thoughtful in their interactions. They engage in various activities, including after-school clubs, and take pride in their responsibilities, such as being librarians or members of the school council. The school promotes a culture of kindness and respect, with pupils reporting that bullying is rare and that they trust staff to help resolve any issues.
Leaders and governors at Arbour Vale School have high aspirations for both staff and pupils. They ensure that staff are well-informed about pupils' individual education, health, and care plans, and they collaborate effectively with external specialists to provide comprehensive support. The curriculum is engaging and tailored to meet the specific needs of each pupil, promoting their natural curiosity. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in how teachers assess pupils' understanding and address misconceptions before introducing new content. This gap can hinder pupils' learning progress.
In the sixth form, pupils receive guidance to make informed choices about their courses, aligning with their interests and career aspirations. They have opportunities to study a mix of GCSEs and vocational subjects, and many successfully transition to further education or employment. The school fosters a love of reading, with pupils excited about storytelling and participating in reading buddy programs.
Early years provision is strong, with children learning essential social skills and engaging in activities that promote their development. Staff utilize various communication strategies to support all children, including those who are non-verbal. Personal development is prioritized, with pupils participating in charitable activities and community service, reinforcing values of equality and respect for diversity.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas that require attention. Some staff lack the necessary expertise in teaching phonics effectively, which affects the reading progress of the weakest readers. Leaders are encouraged to provide ongoing training to enhance staff skills in this area. Additionally, there is a need for clearer guidance on using assessment to help pupils consolidate their knowledge effectively. Staff workload concerns have also been raised, indicating a need for leaders to address these issues to support their team better.
Overall, Arbour Vale School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a clear focus on their individual needs and personal development. The school is well-regarded by its community, and with continued attention to identified areas for improvement, it is poised to enhance its educational offerings further.
