Downland School

Overview

Downland School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The school provides a ‘calm and nurturing environment’ where pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) flourish, supported by staff who have ‘high expectations’ of them. Leaders and governors hold the school firmly to account, ensuring pupils are well-prepared for their next steps in college or work.

Strengths

• Staff understand individual pupil needs well, fostering a ‘fresh start culture’ that helps pupils from disrupted placements attend regularly and behave well.
• The curriculum includes an ‘individualised therapeutic approach’ and weaves core skills in reading, writing, and mathematics throughout, helping pupils achieve success from often low starting points.
• Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is planned carefully, equipping pupils with knowledge to lead healthy lives and stay safe.
• Pupils benefit from ‘rich developmental experiences’ such as residential trips and enrichment opportunities, which build perseverance, resilience, and leadership skills.
• Excellent pastoral support and positive relationships mean pupils feel valued and know they have a voice in school life.

Areas to improve

• Writing is not well developed across the curriculum; pupils are ‘reluctant writers beyond the English curriculum’ and do not always demonstrate their knowledge in written work.
• The school should ensure pupils develop their writing across all areas of the curriculum by providing sufficient opportunities to write at length.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.