John Chilton School

Overview

This ungraded inspection confirms the school remains ‘good’, with evidence suggesting it might achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted now. The report highlights a ‘very happy and purposeful ambience’ where staff are ‘kind’ and pupils behave ‘extremely well’. Leaders have successfully overhauled the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they are ‘very well prepared for the next stages of their education and adult living’.

Strengths

• The curriculum is ‘highly effective’, featuring three pathways carefully targeted to meet different SEND needs and providing pupils with the skills for ‘meaningful adult lives’.
• Staff are ‘skilled in using a range of communication strategies’ and assistive technology, ensuring pupils with physical or speech difficulties can ‘express their views and wishes’.
• Behaviour expectations are ‘very high’, with ‘transformative’ pastoral strategies that result in pupils paying attention and ‘trying hard’.
• Extensive enrichment activities, such as running a café and delivery service, nurture confidence and prepare pupils for ‘independent living’.
• Staff appreciate ‘strong working relationships’ with leaders and value the consideration given to their workloads and well-being.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’.