Hedgewood School

Overview

Hedgewood School is a community special school where practice is described as "exceptional" in attendance, behaviour, inclusion, leadership, and personal development. The report highlights a "highly personalised, research-informed approach" that ensures pupils with diverse needs feel safe, make significant progress, and are well prepared for their next steps.

Strengths

• Attendance is high due to "considered and impactful action" and "tailored and practical help" such as adjusted start times and transport.
• Behaviour is "very calm" with bullying being "very rare," supported by an "analytical, consistent and highly effective" approach.
• Inclusion is "exceptional," with staff seamlessly integrating therapy and teaching to help pupils develop communication and independence.
• Leadership provides "noteworthy strategic direction" and fosters a culture of collaboration, resulting in high staff morale and retention.
• Personal development is prioritised through a "highly coherent programme" that builds resilience, social understanding, and life skills.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should "continue to refine their curriculum and assessment approaches" to ensure teaching consistently secures deep understanding and leads to sustained outcomes for all pupils.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.