Kemball School, located in Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 6 and 7, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher Lisa Hughes, the school is part of the Orchard Community Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The school has high aspirations for all its pupils, who respond positively to these expectations. It effectively identifies and addresses barriers to learning, ensuring that students are happy and achieve well.
The school caters to a diverse range of special educational needs and disabilities, including complex and profound needs. Staff members are skilled in understanding and assessing what pupils know and remember, providing ample opportunities for them to demonstrate their capabilities. The school’s philosophy encourages a growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of trying and believing in the potential of every pupil.
Pupil behavior is well managed by highly trained staff, resulting in calm and respectful classrooms. Students are taught to understand their emotions and are supported in reflecting on their behavior when necessary. Older pupils have opportunities for leadership, such as becoming head boy or head girl, and they engage in responsibilities like caring for the school garden and assisting younger students during lunch. This involvement fosters social development and a sense of responsibility among pupils.
Parents and carers express strong satisfaction with the support and care their children receive at Kemball School. The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that spans a broad range of subjects through four learning pathways tailored to meet the academic and specialist needs of its pupils. While leaders have identified essential knowledge in most subjects, there are areas where this clarity is lacking, which can hinder the sequential building of knowledge over time.
All pupils have an education, health, and care plan, and the school quickly establishes effective communication systems to help students express their thoughts and needs. Staff are adept at using various communication aids, ensuring that pupils can engage meaningfully in their learning. The school collaborates closely with parents and external agencies to support pupils' needs and has robust systems for identifying and reviewing these needs.
Kemball School places a strong emphasis on reading, ensuring that all pupils develop this essential skill. Daily phonics and reading sessions are prioritized, and even non-verbal pupils are taught to read effectively using electronic devices and other aids. The curriculum includes a selection of key texts that promote understanding of diversity and social issues, enriching pupils' experiences with high-quality literature.
Classrooms are characterized by a purposeful atmosphere, with pupils displaying positive attitudes toward learning. They are eager to build their knowledge and celebrate their achievements. Relationships between staff and pupils are respectful, contributing to a nurturing environment where students feel cared for.
The school also offers a well-structured careers education program, helping pupils explore their future aspirations and access appropriate pathways. Lunchtime activities and extracurricular opportunities further enhance pupils' experiences, allowing them to engage in clubs and community service.
Staff and external agencies overwhelmingly commend the leadership of the school, noting a supportive and positive work environment. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, the school is encouraged to further define and sequence the essential knowledge and vocabulary across all subjects to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of its curriculum. This will ensure that pupils build their knowledge in a logical and coherent manner over time.
