The Milestone School, located in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, is a special academy that caters to pupils with complex needs, including autism and profound learning disabilities. The school operates under the Supporting Achievement and Nurturing Development Academies Trust and is led by headteacher Stephen Dowell. The recent inspection conducted on November 5 and 6, 2024, resulted in a positive evaluation across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all rated as good.
Pupils at The Milestone School demonstrate high attendance and engagement, benefiting from tailored educational pathways that align with their individual education, health, and care plans. The school emphasizes a structured and supportive environment, which begins in the early years and continues throughout the students' educational journey. This approach fosters a clear understanding of behavioural expectations and promotes a positive learning atmosphere. The curriculum is broad and balanced, allowing pupils to achieve well from their starting points.
The school’s ethos, encapsulated in the motto be brave, be kind, be safe, is evident in daily activities. Staff members are knowledgeable and provide personalized support, ensuring that each pupil is recognized and valued. The school offers a variety of enriching experiences, including musical performances, residential trips, and enterprise projects, which help broaden pupils' horizons. Additionally, outdoor activities and sports, such as sailing and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, teach essential life skills, including teamwork and risk management.
Leadership at The Milestone School is strong, with effective management ensuring that staff have the necessary resources to deliver the curriculum. The local advisory board plays a crucial role in providing support and challenge, contributing to the school’s overall effectiveness. The pastoral support offered to families and pupils is particularly noteworthy, enhancing the school community's cohesion. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the improved communication from leadership.
The curriculum has undergone a substantial review, resulting in a well-structured program that meets the diverse needs of pupils. It successfully integrates academic and life skills education, preparing students for future challenges. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and employ various teaching strategies to support pupils' emotional and self-regulation needs. However, there are instances where subject-based teaching does not fully capitalize on pupils' prior knowledge, which can hinder progress.
Communication and reading development are prioritized, with a focus on fostering a love for stories and phonics instruction. The behaviour policy is effectively implemented, with staff modeling emotional management and self-regulation techniques, leading to a reduction in poor behaviour incidents.
The school also offers a comprehensive careers education and work experience program, enabling pupils to pursue academic and vocational qualifications. The curriculum promotes character development, teaching tolerance, healthy relationships, and personal safety. The trust has expanded the leadership structure, enhancing the school’s capacity for continuous improvement, although some aspects of monitoring and implementation of policies are still being refined.
Overall, The Milestone School provides a supportive and effective educational environment for pupils with complex needs, ensuring they are well-prepared for their next stages in education and life. The school’s commitment to fostering individual growth and development is evident in its practices and the positive experiences reported by pupils and staff alike.
