Churchward School

Overview

Churchward School is described as a place where pupils enjoy a "calm, happy" environment, supported by leaders who remain "resolute in their drive to create a good school" despite recent staffing changes. The report highlights an "ambitious curriculum" that is "relevant, fun and interesting," enabling pupils with autism and associated difficulties to learn in ways that suit their individual needs. Overall, the inspection found the school to be effective in preparing pupils for their futures through independence and recognised qualifications.

Strengths

• Staff manage pupils’ communication challenges and sensory needs "very well," adapting tasks and environments to match individual requirements.
• A "strong" reading culture is prioritised across all subjects, with high-quality resources available throughout the school.
• The personal, social, health and citizenship education curriculum is "broad and relevant," helping pupils understand how to live "healthy, happy and secure lives."
• Sixth-form pupils feel "excited about their futures," with leaders ensuring all transition to further education, employment, or training.
• Pupils feel safe and valued, showing empathy for one another and confidence that staff will resolve friendship or bullying issues.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure staff have the necessary knowledge and resources to provide appropriate support in phonics for pupils at the early stages of learning to read.
• Systems to check that pupils remember important curriculum content over longer periods of time need to be more rigorous.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" supported by thorough recruitment processes and staff who are confident in noticing and reporting concerns.