Fiveways Special School

Overview

Fiveways Special School is judged to be ‘Outstanding’ across all inspection categories, including the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership. The report describes a school where pupils ‘excel in all areas of their learning’ and are ‘exceptionally well prepared for living meaningful, purposeful lives’ through a highly tailored curriculum.

Strengths

• The curriculum is ‘expertly designed’ to meet specific needs, enabling pupils to ‘communicate their views and feelings exceptionally well’ using visual symbols, signing, and speech.
• Pupils develop ‘extremely strong citizenship skills’, engaging in democratic processes and learning about ‘kindness, respect and empathy’ through secure relationships with staff.
• Sixth-form students are ‘extremely well prepared for life beyond school’, gaining qualifications and participating in work experience and the Duke of Edinburgh award.
• Staff are ‘very knowledgeable’ about pupils’ therapeutic needs and use precise assessment to ensure learning approaches are ‘bespoke and appropriate’.
• Governors provide ‘support and challenge in equal measure’ and are ‘passionate about the school’s role in shaping the future lives of pupils’.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.