George Hastwell School Special Academy

Overview

George Hastwell School is described as a “warm and inclusive” environment where pupils have a “strong sense of belonging” and feel “valued members of the school community.” While personal development is rated Good, with effective support for independence and life skills, the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership are all judged as requiring improvement due to inconsistencies in teaching and curriculum oversight.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from “strong, caring relationships with adults” and a “wide range of pastoral and therapeutic support.”
• Staff demonstrate a “thorough understanding of pupils’ individual communication needs” and successfully apply strategies to develop these skills.
• Personal development is strong, with pupils enjoying opportunities like “regular outings and trips” and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
• The curriculum is “designed to give pupils the knowledge and understanding to be confident learners,” with careful consideration of their complex needs.
• Career guidance has seen “significant improvements,” including visits from local employers and work experience for post-16 students.

Areas to improve

• Teachers must better adapt their teaching and use available information to meet pupils’ individual needs, particularly in early years and post-16 provision.
• Learning activities need to be more closely matched to pupils’ needs to prevent disengagement and behavioural issues.
• The school and governors require “rigorous oversight of the implementation of the curriculum” to ensure it is effectively embedded.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”