Dan y Coed

Overview

Dan y Coed is described as a "happy and nurturing school" that serves pupils with additional learning needs well, providing a "welcoming, positive learning environment." Most pupils make "strong progress from their initial starting points" due to valuable support from teaching and therapeutic staff, though the report notes that information and technology skills are not developed progressively.

Strengths

• The school uses a "bespoke assessment and achievement continuum" which "successfully captures each small step of progress" and significantly impacts pupil development.
• Teaching staff possess a "detailed understanding of pupils’ abilities and interests," using this knowledge to tailor "engaging experiences" that lead to high levels of engagement.
• There is "effective support and collaboration between the onsite therapy team and teaching staff," ensuring consistent approaches to meeting complex needs.
• Pupils feel "happy, safe, and valued," forming worthwhile relationships and developing independence through activities like shopping and using public transport.
• Senior leaders provide "strong strategic leadership" with a clear vision focused on an integrated approach to meeting pupils’ needs.

Areas to improve

• Improve opportunities for pupils to develop information and communication technology skills progressively across the curriculum.
• Strengthen opportunities for pupils to access work-related experiences to better prepare them for adult life.
• Formalise the evaluation of professional learning opportunities for all staff to inform future planning.

Safeguarding

The report states there is a "robust culture of safeguarding" where staff are alert to signs of abuse, follow appropriate procedures, and arrangements "meet requirements and give no cause for concern."