Camp Hill Education

Overview

Camp Hill Education is an independent school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. The inspection confirms that the school “meets all of the independent school standards that were checked during this inspection,” marking significant progress from previous inspections where standards were not met. The report highlights a “determined, precise and positive focus” on curriculum, teaching, and leadership improvements.

Strengths

• The curriculum and assessment policies are “implemented well,” with “cohesive set[s] of plans” providing a strong foundation for learning.
• Staff demonstrate a “secure understanding of the aptitude, needs and prior attainment of pupils,” using this to tailor lesson structure and content effectively.
• Leadership has strengthened through “judicious appointments” and a “rigorous” professional learning programme that cascades expertise to all staff.
• Attendance and engagement have improved, supported by staff who “take the learning to them” if pupils are unable to attend school.
• Pupils are actively involved in decision-making and “see the purpose of their learning,” which has positively impacted their progress.

Areas to improve

• The school recognises there is “more to do to ensure that it raises the profile and standards of evaluation areas across the inspection toolkit.”
• Leaders are using external support to “review and refine the action plan further” to sustain standards and provide a quality education.

Safeguarding

The report states that the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central record of pre-employment checks and the availability of the safeguarding policy to parents, meet the requirements of the independent school standards.