Brent Knoll School

Overview

This ungraded inspection found that the school’s work has “improved significantly across all areas” since the previous inspection, prompting a future graded review. Pupils thrive in a “safe and supportive environment” where staff demonstrate “skill and determination” in managing complex needs, resulting in strong personal and academic progress.

Strengths

• Staff possess a “detailed understanding of each pupil’s circumstances” and maintain “high aspirations” alongside a “rigorous focus on ensuring high levels of attendance.”
• The “broad and ambitious curriculum” is “sequenced carefully,” with successful adaptations for individual needs, including a sharp focus on reading fluency and phonics.
• The school excels at helping pupils develop “communication and social skills” and regulate their behaviour, enabling them to engage effectively in learning.
• Provision for early years is “particularly strong,” ensuring a seamless transition to Year 1 with clear expectations and routines.
• Parents are “rightly fulsome in their praise” for the personalised curriculum and high-quality communication, which supports pupils’ preparation for future education or employment.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.