Include School Norfolk

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils, often having had "profoundly negative experiences" elsewhere, receive tailored support to heal and engage with education. Leaders have established a "positive ethos" that fosters strong relationships and helps pupils manage their emotions and behaviour effectively. The school meets independent school standards and has improved significantly since its previous inspection.

Strengths

• A "well-designed programme" for personal, social, health and economic education helps pupils overcome social, emotional and mental health challenges.
• Teachers deliver the curriculum in "sensible steps," ensuring pupils regularly revisit key knowledge and receive effective support for special educational needs.
• Leaders have raised the profile of reading, leading to an increased "love of reading" and confident early readers.
• Pupils are "well prepared for their next steps in education or training," with smooth transitions supported by close work with employers and colleges.
• Attendance has "markedly improved" since the previous inspection, and pupils demonstrate respect and democratic values within the school community.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must clarify how teachers should teach spelling, as pupils currently do not spell as accurately as they could.
• Leaders must develop more effective ways to ensure regular attendance for some pupils who remain frequently absent.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well trained to identify concerns and leaders working at pace with external agencies to ensure pupils receive necessary support.