Archdale School

Overview

Archdale School continues to be a good school, characterised by a "real commitment to get it right for every child." Pupils enjoy attending, supported by "very caring and supportive" staff who foster positive relationships and ensure children feel safe. The school provides a "highly bespoke curriculum" that effectively includes pupils with complex health needs in all aspects of school life.

Strengths

• Staff work "extremely well with health care professionals" to support pupils with complex needs, ensuring full inclusion.
• A "highly bespoke curriculum" meets individual needs, with teachers using assessment tools to carefully plot learning steps.
• Early reading is well embedded, with staff using sensory materials and music to make stories accessible.
• Enrichment activities, such as horse-riding and performances at the Octagon venue, provide "high-quality experiences."
• Governors hold a "clear vision of improving life chances" and actively support school leaders.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must develop detailed curriculum plans and assessment arrangements in every subject, as the "sequence of knowledge" in some areas lacks sufficient detail.
• Specific foundation subjects, such as geography and computing, require more detailed planning to prevent pupils’ progress from slowing.
• Support for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder and severe communication difficulties needs further development to ensure full engagement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff are vigilant and receive regular training.