Frederick Holmes School

Overview

Frederick Holmes School is a special school for pupils with severe physical and learning difficulties, where leaders maintain "high expectations" and a "strong sense of family." The report describes a "calm and purposeful learning atmosphere" where adults know pupils "extremely well" and provide "highly tailored provision" to meet individual needs.

Strengths

• Behaviour management is "exceptional," with adults recognising that "pupils’ behaviour is often a form of communication."
• The sixth-form provision is "exemplary," helping students develop independence through community visits and accreditations.
• Personal development is "exceptional," with carefully designed opportunities to help pupils understand emotions and stay healthy.
• Mathematics teaching is expertly adapted, using technology to support pupils with "profound and multiple learning difficulties."
• Staff are "proud to work in the school," supported by "highly effective leadership" that values their well-being.

Areas to improve

• Subject leaders must evaluate the delivery and impact of revised curricula in subjects like science and history, which are in "early stages of implementation."
• Leaders should establish a "consistent approach to assessment" so subject leaders can identify knowledge gaps and support future learning.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with a "strong culture" that considers the "heightened vulnerabilities" of pupils and ensures staff can identify subtle changes in behaviour or appearance.