Courtlands School

Overview

Courtlands School is described as a place where "safety, trust and positive relationships are central," with pupils feeling secure and staff providing effective support. While the school meets the "expected standard" in inclusion and personal development, several key areas including achievement, attendance, and curriculum require attention as leaders work to embed recent improvements.

Strengths

• Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are actively identified and managed.
• Inclusion is at an "expected standard," with carefully considered support for special educational needs and strong partnerships with parents.
• Personal development is prioritised, helping pupils build confidence in communication, independence, and community engagement.
• Behaviour is "typically positive" and calm, with well-considered routines that allow pupils to focus on learning.
• Staff are praised for their dedication, with pupils, staff, and parents agreeing the school is "making a positive difference."

Areas to improve

• Leaders must monitor the curriculum’s impact and develop teaching approaches to help pupils retain knowledge about the wider world.
• A more strategic approach is needed to reduce persistent absence, informed by detailed analysis of trends affecting disadvantaged groups.
• Governors should gain a precise understanding of the school’s impact on different pupil groups to better hold leaders to account.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding standards are met, noting that leaders have established an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and that pupils are made safer and feel safe.