Brooke School

Overview

Brooke School has “improved significantly” since its previous inspection, with the report noting that the school “no longer requires special measures.” The institution is described as “calm,” with pupils who are “settled,” “respectful and tolerant of others.” Leaders have focused on providing an “ambitious curriculum” and raising expectations, resulting in improved pupil achievements and a vision for “independent, happy, safe” pupils.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “ambitious” and clearly sets out learning sequences, with key knowledge building on prior learning.
• Staff have “positive and caring relationships” with pupils, and unkind behaviour is dealt with “quickly.”
• Pupils benefit from “strong links with the community and local industries,” which raises aspirations.
• Effective systems identify gaps in reading, with “appropriate support” quickly implemented and parents invited to workshops.
• A wide range of strategies, including “aided language displays” and “assistive technology,” support pupils’ communication needs.

Areas to improve

• The school must embed newer curriculum areas to ensure it understands their long-term impact on pupils’ knowledge.
• Staff must consistently follow agreed expectations for supporting pupils’ learning and communication needs, as inconsistency currently slows learning.
• Early years staff need to plan activities that more accurately match individual children’s needs to prevent them from becoming unsettled.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”